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THE HYPOCRITES 



A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS 






BV 



HENRY ARTHUR JONES 



•' Expediency is man's wisdom : doing right is God's." 

Ths Pilgrim's Scrip. 



Copyright, 1908, by Henry Arthur Jonks 



NEW YORK 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

26 WEST 22D STREET 



LONDON 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street 

STRAND 



\UtJRARYofOCN».V:5J3S 
I wo Copies rtecu;iiH. 

MAY 19 1908 

If* 



.1^ iqcB 

^ JUC. Nu. 






TO 

PROFESSOR GEORGE P. BAKER, 

HARVARD UNIVERSITY. 

Dear Professor Baker, 

Will you accept the dedication of this play in 
remembrance of your kind companionship on the evening of 
its original performance in New York ; and in gratitude 
for the active sympathy you have always shown with the 
modern drama? I believe that the work you have begun 
at Harvard, and the interest you have there awakened in 
this much neglected art, will, with wise encouragement, 
have great and memorable results in time to come, on both 

sides the Atlantic. 

I am. 

Faithfully and gratefully yours, 

HENRY ARTHUR JONES. 

\%th September, 1906. 



PERSONS REPRESENTED, 

Sir John Plugenet. 

Mr. Wilmore, lord of the Manor of VVeybury. 

Lennard Wilmore, his son. 

Mr. Viveash, Lawyer and Estate Agent. 

The Reverend Everard Daubeny, Vicar of Weybury, 

Dr. Blaney. 

The Reverend Edgar Linnell, Curate of Weybury, 

GOODYER. 

Mrs. Wilmore. 

Helen Plugenet. 

Mrs. Linnell. 

Mrs. Blaney. 

Rachel Neve. 

Patty, servant at the Linnells'. 



SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY. 

ACT I. 

Scene. — Mrs. Wilmore's boudoir at the Manor House, 
Weybury. 

Time — An afternoon in October. 

ACT II. 

Scene. — Living-room at Edgar Linnell's. 

Time. — Two hours later on the same evening. 

ACT III. 
Scene. — Library at the Manor House. 

Time. — Morning, ten days later. 

ACT IV. 

Scene. — The same. 

Time. — Afternoon, a fortnight later. 



The following is the cast of characters at the first performance 
at the Nicks Theatre in London under the management 
of Charles Fro h man. 

PERSONS REPRESENTED. 

Sir John Plu genet, Bart., of Pluge- 

net Court Mr. C. V. France. 

Mr. Wilmore, lord of the Manor of 

Weybury Mr. Mr. J. H. Barnes. 

Lennard Wilmore, his son Mr. Vernon Steele. 

Mr. Viveash, Lawyer and Estate 

Agent Mr. Arthur Lewis. 

The Reverend Everard Daubeny, 

Vicar of Weybury Mr. Alfred Bishop. 

Dr. Blaney Mr. Cecil Brooking. 

The Reverend Edgar Linnell, 

Curate of Weybury Mr. Leslie Faber. 

Goodyer Mr. Fred Grove. 

Mrs. Wilmore Miss Marion Terry. 

Helen Plugenet Miss Viva Birkett. 

Mrs. LiNxNELl Mrs. Leslie Faber. 

Mrs. Blaney Miss Henrietta Watson. 

Rachel Neve Miss Doris Keane. 

Patty, servant at the Linnells'. . Miss Irene Clarke. 



The following is a copy of the first performance of the play 
at the Hudson Theatre, New York, on August joth, igo6. 

HUDSON THEATRE 

HENRY B. HARRIS Manager. 

Svening:s, 8.15, Matinees "Wednesdays and Saturdays, a. 15. 

FOURTH MONTH. 

CHARLES FROHMAN 

Presents the New Play, in Four Acts, 

THE HYPOCRITES 

By henry ARTHUR JONES 
*' Expediency is man's wisdom : doing right is God's."— The Pilgrim's Scrip. 

PERSONS REPRESENTED. 

Sir John Plugenet, Bart., of Pluge- 

net Court John Glendinning. 

Mr. Wilmore, Lord of the Manor of 

Weybury J- H. Barnes. 

Lennard Wilmore, his son. . . . Richard Bennett. 
Mr. Viveash, Lawyer and Estate 

Agent Arthur Lewis. 

The Reverend Everard Daubeny, 

Vicar of Weybury W. H. Denny. 

Dr. Blaney Cecil Kingston. 

The Reverend Edgar Linnell, 

Curate of Weybury Leslie Faber. 

Goodyer Jay Wilson. 

Mrs. Wilmore Jessie Millward. 

Helen Plugenet Viva Birkett. 

Mrs. Linnell Grace Hadsell. 

Mrs. Blaney Helen Tracy. 

Rachel Neve Doris Keane. 

Patty, servant at the Linnells' . . Louise Reed. 



O 

o 

m 
w 








O; 




ACT I. 

Scene. — Mrs. Wilmore's boudoir, the Manor 
House, IVeybury, a bright pretty room in an old 
English country house. A door at back, centre. 
A large sofa left of the door at back. A large 
bozv window opening out upon garden tip left. 
A cottage piano dozvn left, below window. A 
door np right. A fireplace down right, with a 
fire burning. A comfortable armchair above the 
fireplace. A table zvith chairs right centre. 

Time. — About four on an autumn afternoon. 

Discover Mrs. Wilmore seated at table talking to 
Mrs. Linnell, who is standing near. Mrs. 
Wilmore is a charming English lady of forty- 
five, well-bred, well-dressed, still attractive in face 
and figure, with easy, pleasant, zvinning manners. 
Mrs. Linnell is a bright, pretty, ordinary little 
lady, very tidily, but very cheaply dressed. 

Mrs. W. 

Mr. Wilmore is much annoyed by Mr. Linnell's 

conduct 

Mrs. L. 

I'm very sorry 

Mrs. W. 

My dear, your husband has been curate of Wey- 
bury for just a year. During that time we've had 
nothing but constant Httle upsets in the parish. 

Mrs. L. 

There were so many things to be reformed. 

II 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Mrs. W. 

Of course there were ! And we quite appreciate 
Mr. Linnell's zeal and courage in reforming them. 
But he makes us all thoroughly uncomfortable! 



' Mrs. Wilmore 
rises. They 
move a little 
toe. 



How? 



Mrs. L. 



Mrs. W. 



We never know whose turn to be reformed may- 
come next. And we all know we need it ! 

Mrs. L. 

Edgar has only done what he thought right. 

Mrs. W. 

I dare say. But you have two little children, and 
your income is 



Mrs. L. 

A hundred and twenty a year. 

Mrs. W. 

A man can't afford extravagant notions of right 
and wrong on a hundred and twenty a year. ^ Go 
home and persuade your husband to drop all this 
unnecessary reforming. It's altogether too expen- 
sive a luxury for a man in his position. 

Mrs. L. 

I'll tell him what you say. 

Mrs. W. 

And one little hint. Now that Mr. Daubeny is 
appointed Dean of Gilminster, Mr. Wilmore, as 
lord of the Manor, has the presentation to the liv- 
ing here 

Mrs. L. 
Oh, Mrs. Wilmore ! 

12 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



^ Enter Goodyer, the butler. 
Good. 
(Announcing.) Mr. Viveash.^ 

Enter Mr. Viveash, a shrezvd, genial man of fifty, 
clever, alert, plausible, cynical, but with an air of 
bonhomie. In manners, dress, and culture, he 
is much above the ordinary country lawyer. 

Vive. 

{Coming cordially to Mrs. Wilmore.) How d'ye 
do? 

Mrs. W. 

How d'ye do? (Shaking hands.) The door, 
Goodyer. 

Vive. 

(To Mrs. Linnell.) How d'ye do? (Shaking 
hands. ) 

Mrs. L. 
How d'ye do? 

Vive. 

How's Linnell? What fresh mischief is he up to? 

Mrs. L. 
Mischief ? 

Vive. 

If he raises the pitch just half a note higher, he'll 
make the old place simply uninhabitable for a com- 
fortable hardened old sinner like me.^ 

Mrs. W. 
(To Mrs. Linnell.) Do you hear that? 

Mrs. L. 
Yes. 

Mrs. W. 

Good-bye, dear. (Shaking hands.) 

13 



* At back. 
Stands R. of 
door. 



* Mrs. Linnell 
moves L. c. as 
Viveash 
comes down 



' Mrs. Linnell 
crosses in 
front of Vive- 
ash to Mrs. 
Wilmore. 
Viveash 
moves a little 
to R. 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* At back. 



• Viveash ad- 
vances to R. 
of Mrs. Wil- 
more. 



(Exit Mrs. Linnell ^ Goodyer, who has waited, 
closes it behind her. Viveash goes up very cor- 
dially to Mrs. Wilmore. His manner to her 
throughout is more that of an old friend than of 
a lawyer. ) 

Vive. 

Any news from Sir John? 

Mrs. W. 

Yes, a cable from Suez. He'll be home next week, 
and as he must return to India before Christmas, 
Lennard and Helen are to be married almost at 
once. 

Vive. 

Good.^ I don't like long engagements. What 
about the name? 

Mrs. W. 

Sir John insists that Lennard shall take the name of 
Plugenet on his marriage. 

Vive. 

V'/ell, considering how handsomely he has behaved 
over the settlements, that's not much ! 

Mrs. W. 

No, but miy boy is my boy, my only one, and to give 
up his father's name — however, as there's plenty 
of money, we may manage to get the old peerage 
revived. 

Vive. 

I'm sure you will. I'm sure you can manage any- 
thing, after watching the superb way you've man- 
aged this marriage ! 

I\Irs. W. 

It didn't need any managing. When Sir John had 
to go to India, he was obliged to leave Helen in 

somebody's care. I v/as a very old friend, and 

14 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



Vive. 

He couldn't have left her in better hands. 

Mrs. W. 

Lennard was away in the Highlands making that 
railway. When he came back, what more natural 
than that Helen and he should fall in love with each 
other ? 

Vive. 



Very natural, very right, very satisfactory, 
same, I take off my hat to you !^ 



All the 



Mrs. W. 
You think I'm a scheming, match-making mother 



Vive. 

Every good mother must be scheming and match- 
making. 

Mrs. W. 

At any rate I've not acted meanly or selfishly. I've 
done it all for Len. 

Vive. 

I'm sure you have. And I do take off my hat to 
you.^ 

Mrs. W. 

It has turned out fortunately. When I remember 
that six months ago we were paupers, with all our 
land heavily mortgaged, and Lennard was a strug- 
gling engineer, with a few hundreds a year, and no 
prospects — and now ! 

Vive. 

Yes, it's a brilliant change of scene for all of us. 
I had terrible trouble to renew the mortgages. 

Mrs. W. 
I'm sure you had. 

15 



1 Viveash 
crosses above 
table, to R. of 
it, placing 
hands on 
table, leans 
over towards 
her. 



' Viveash 
standing at 
fireplace. 
Mrs. Wil- 
more sits I.. 
of table. 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Vive. 
I had to come into it with my bit of property- 

Mrs. W. 
It was good of you. 

VlVE.1 



Coming to- 
7oards table 
again. 



* Rises and 
shakes hands 
with Viveash, 
who has come 
down table. 

* From K. door 

they cross 
back towards 
loindow L. 
Helen first, 
Lennard 
following. 



* Viveash 
crosses up 
and shakes 
hands with 
Helen up c. 
Lennard has 
crossed be- 
hind Helen 
and is noiv 
on her l. 
Mrs. Wil- 
niore has re- 
sumed her 
seat. 



* Lennard 
shakes hands 
with Vive- 
ash. 



By the way, Markdale is agent for the Plugenet es- 
tate. He's very old. When he drops off you might 
put in a good word for me to Sir John, 

Mrs. W. 
My dear old friend, I'm sure I can manage that.^ 

Enter right Helen Plugenet and Lennard Wil- 
MORE.^ She is a tall, delicate, refined girl of 
about twenty, dreamy, spiritiielle, unusual. Len- 
nard is an ordinary, handsome young English- 
man about tzventy-Hve. They are in outdoor 
clothes. 

Vive. 
I'm sure you can. {They shake hands cordially.} 

Vive. 
How d'ye do?^ {Shaking hands.) 

Hel. 
How d'ye do? 

Vive. 
How are you, Lennard? {Nodding to Lennard.)^ 

Len. 

How are you? ^ 

Vive. 

Now, when you two can spare me half an hour 

Hel. 

About the settlements? 

i6 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



Vive. 



Yes- 



Hel. 

Everything is to be just as Lennard wishes. Only 
please put in a clause that the little garden in the 
corner of my soul is to be my own — always my 
very own freehold. 

Vive. 

I must leave the corners of your soul to Daubeny. 

Hel. 

Oh, please don't ! 

Vive. 
Well then, to Linnell. 

Hel. 
At least, Mr. Linnell is sincere. 

Vive. 

Yes, confound him ! That's what makes him such 
a terrible nuisance. 

Hel. 

Now I know why Mr. Linnell is so much disliked. 

Mrs. W. 

Helen, ^ I hope you've reconsidered the question of 
the marriage 

Hel. 

No, dear. The quietest, simplest wedding at our 
own little church, and only Mr. Linnell to marry us. 



Why Mr. Linnell 



Mrs. W 



Hel. 



Because he's just a plain, ordinary curate, and I 
like him. 

17 



' Helen crosses 
down to Mrs. 
Wilmore. 
Viveash and 
Lennard sit 
on sofa at 
back, talking. 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Mrs. W. 

You haven't spoken to him? 

Hel. 

Yes, last night. He has promised to marry us. 
(Mrs. Wilmore shozn's great disappointment.) 
Dear, you mustn't be angry with me. (Kissing 
her.) My marriage is the greatest event in all his- 
tory, and you must let me have my own wilful 
way.^ 

Mrs. W. 

Of course, dear, but I hoped 

Hel. 



• Viveash and 
Lennard rise 
and come 
doivn stage. 
Viveash l. c. 
Lennard l. 



• Lennard 
crosses to 
Helen C.Vive- 
ash sits on 
piano stool, 
polishes spec- 
tacles with 
handker- 
chief. 



' As she crosses 
up to it. 



* Stops up L. C. 

looking after 
her. 



Crossing up 
to him. 



For a big, fashionable wedding in London. Then 
all my lilies would have withered ! 



What lilies? 



Mrs. W. 



Hel. 



The lilies I've been trying to grow in my own little 
garden.^ 

Len. 

I must take a look round that garden. 

Hel. 

No, Len, not at present. You'd only tread on the 
flower-beds. {Looking out of ivindow.)^ We 
must make haste if we are to get to the wish-tower 
for the sunset. Are you coming? {Exit.) 

Len. 

{Going after her.) ^ I wish I was a better fellow, 
for her sake! 

Mrs. W.^ 

Len, that's unworthy of you! You won't do any- 
thing now to break off the marriage ? 

i8 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



Len. 

No, of course not. I love her too much, but — she 
is too good for me. 

Mrs. W. 

(Kissing him.) There isn't any girl in England 
who's good enough for my boy. 

(Kissing him fondly. Exit Lennard.) 

Mrs. W. 

(Standing at windozv, looking after him.) What 
mother wouldn't be proud of him ! 

ViVE.l 

Well, we shall have no further trouble with him 
when he's once married. 

Mrs. W.2 
Lennard never has given us any real trouble. 

Vive. 
Hum 



Mrs. W. 

Not more than any handsome, high-spirited boy 
naturally gives to his parents, eh? 

Vive. 
No — no, about the average. 

Mrs. W. 
Well, it's all over now. 

VlVE.^ 

Yes, all over. And we've only to shake hands, and 
congratulate ourselves that our little comedy will 
have such a happy ending — wedding bells — interior 
of the village church — shouts — dancing on the vil- 
lage green — curtain ! 



' Carefully 
folds up 
handker- 
chief, and 
puts it in his 
pocket. 

' Comes down 
c. a little. 



' Vive ash rises 
and crosses 
toe. 



19 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Mrs. W. 

Yes, when Lennard and Helen stand at the altar 
next month, I shall feel I've reaped the harvest of 
my life. I shall have nothing to do but to rest and 
be happy. 

Vive. 

Not you ! You'll be v^orking night and day to get 
that peerage for Lennard. 



• Crosses to r. 



* At back. 

' Viveash 
moves to- 
tvards l. as 
Daubeny 
comes down 
c. Mrs. Wil- 
viore advan- 
ces to meet 
him. 



* Mrs. Wilviore 
sits L. of 
table. 



• Viveash 
crosses round 
at hack of 
table OAid sits 
in chair be- 
low fireplace. 



Mrs. W. 
You shrivel me up with your cynicism ! ^ 

Enter Goodyear/ shozving in the Reverend Eve- 
RARD Daubeny,^ a fat, rosy vicar of sixty, pur- 
ring, placid, time-serving, self-indulgent. Good- 
YER announces " Mr. Daubeny." Daubeny en- 
ters, and GooDYER exit. 



(To Mrs. Wilmore.) 
friend ? 



Daub. 

How d'ye do, my dear 



How are you? 



Mrs. W. 

(Shaking hands.) 

Daub. 



Ah, Viveash! 
How are you ? 



Vive. 
(Shaking hands.) 

Mrs. W. 
Mr. Viveash is scoffing, as usual. 

Daub. 



Scold him well.^ 



Fie ! Fie ! Ah, you may scoff, Viveash, but whether 
we believe our religion, or whether we don't; 
whether it's true or whether it isn't, you can't deny 
that it's the linch-pin of society; and once take 
away the linch-pin ^ — by the way, Mrs. Wilmore, 

20 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



your cook never sent mc the receipt for those 
heavenly devilled quails — what did you call them? 



Quails Estelle ! 



Mrs. W. 



Daub. 



Quails Estelle! My dear Vvufe was so enchanted 
with them. We thought they would make such an 
excellent entree for our first dinner party at the 
deanery. 

Mrs. W. 

When do you leave Weybury? 
Daub. 

In about a fortnight. Talking of my leaving, has 
Wilmore settled the presentation of the living here? 

Mrs. W. 

We half promised it to Mr. Linnell. 

Daub. 

Surely a half promise isn't binding. I tremble to 
think of my poor parish in the hands of that head- 
strong, misguided young man ! ^ 

Enter ^ Mr. Wilmore, in shooting costume. He 
is a stout, violent, sJioIlozi'; hot-tenipered, illogi- 
cal, English country gentleman, stuffed with all 
the prejudices of his class. He appears hastily 
and angrily at door at back, where he is seen giv- 
ing his gun to GooDYER. 

WiL. 

And, Goodyer, send over to Mr. Linnell, and tell 
him I wish him to see me here at once.^ Ah, how 
do, Viveash ? Daubeny, how are you ? Upon my 
word, things have come to a pretty pass ! "* 

21 



* Daubeny 
moves above 
table. 

^ At back Vive- 
ash rises 
and sits 
again after 
Wilmore has 
sat. 



' Enters and 
closes door 
after him. 

* Ci'osses and 
sits on chair 
at piano. 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Daub. 

I fear our friend Linnell has been injudicious 
again ! 

WiL. 

Injudicious! If you please, "The Blue Lion" is 
to be pulled down and turned into a model public- 
house and working-man's social recreation club! 
And our precious Mr. Linnell is the ringleader of 
the scheme ! 

Mrs. W. 

" The Blue Lion " has always been a dreadful, 
drunken, disreputable place! Why not turn it into 
a model public house ? 

WiL. 

Because Pelly wants it for one of his brewery 
houses. Naturally a big brewer like Pelly doesn't 
wish to have model public-houses dumped down 
everywhere in his own district. It would ruin his 
brewery. He has given me plainly to understand 
that if I don't put the stopper on Linnell, he'll take 
care Lennard shan't put up for the Gilminster divis- 
ion. What do you think of that, Viveash? 

Vive. 

It's hopeless for Lennard to stand for Gilminster 
without Felly's support. 

WiL. 

There you are! Pretty position for a man of my 
standing! My son can't serve his country in Par- 
liament because my curate — well, not precisely my 
curate, but, say, our curate — chooses to run amuck 
against an influential brewer, and sound churchman, 
like Pelly! 

Enter Goodyer,^ shozving in Mrs. Blaney, a 
country doctor's wife, about forty-Uve; a moral, 

22 



^ At bach. 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT r 



ambiguous woman, soured by childlessness; 
formal ill-natured, with an air of melancholy res- 
ignation; dressed in a marked provincial style; 
quite provincial and middle-class in tone, manner 
and thought. Goodyer announces, " Mrs. 
Blaney." ^ {Exit Goodyer.) 



How d'ye do? 



Mrs. W. 



Mrs. B. 



How are you? (Shaking hands.) How d'ye do, 
Mr. Wilmore? {Shaking hands.y Mr. Viveash!^ 
Oh, Mr. Daubeny, I went over to the vicarage, and 
they told me you were here. 

Daub. 
I hope nothing serious has happened? 

Mrs. B. 
Yes.^ At least, it happened three weeks ago. 

Daub. 



What? 



Sarah Piper. 



Mrs. B. 



Daub. 

Ah, yes ! Ah, yes ! Most unhappy girl ! 

Vive. 

I'm told it's a remarkably fine child. 

Mrs. B. 

Yes, unfortunately. And why children should be 
allotted to a hussy like that, while those whose con- 
duct and respectability might surely entitle them to 
some consideration from Providence 

Daub. 

Ah, yes ! It's most inscrutable ! 

23 



* All rise as 
Mis. Blaney 
enters. Mrs. 
Wilmore 
crosses up c, 
shakes hands 
with Mrs. 
Blaney. 

« With Mr. 
Wilmore, 
tvho has ad- 
vanced to c. 
Viveash 
crosses up r., 
and bows to 
Mrs. Blaney. 

' Crosses to 
Daubeny, 
who has 
moved to be- 
loto table. 
Mrs. Wil- 
more has 
joined Wil- 
more up L. c. 
Gets work 
bag from 
table up L. 
then drops 
down L. and 
sits at piano, 
ivorking. 
Wilmore 
standing r. 
of her. Vive- 
ash has come 
down c. 

* Mrs. Blaney 
sits L. of 
table. 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Vive. 

But three weeks — Sarah Piper hasn't already made 
a fresh contribution to 

Mrs. B. 
Yes. She has confessed who is — a — responsible. 

WiL. 

Who is the scoundrel? 

Mrs. B. 
I'm sorry to say he is a tenant of yours. 

WiL. 

No ! After the example I made of Peter Rawlins 
last year, surely no tenant of mine would dare to — 
No! 

Mrs. W. 

Who is it, Mrs. Blaney? 

Mrs. B. 
William Sheldrake. 

Mrs. W. 



I'm very sorry. 



Mrs. B. 



Yes. Such a quiet, respectable young man. Al- 
ways took off his hat with such a pleasant, modest 
smile. Oh, Mr. Daubeny, how is it that so many 
respectable people ? 

Daub. 

Very true ! Ah, yes ! Very true ! There does 
seem to be a far greater proportion than one would 
have supposed — it is truly appalling! 

(His hands on his fat stomach, tapping it zvith his 

fat fingers.) 

24 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



Mrs. B. 

I often look round and ask myself, " Who is to be 
trusted? " 

Daub. 

Who indeed? Who indeed? 

Mrs. B. 

And I answer, " Nobody." 

Daub. 

Oh, come! come! Isn't that just a little too severe? 

Mrs. B. 

One cannot be too severe. As I was saying to 
Mr. Linnell about William Sheldrake 

WiL. 

Linnell ! ^ Does Linnell know ? 
Mrs. B. 

Yes, Sheldrake has confessed to him, and he thinks 
Sheldrake ought not to be made to marry the girl ! 

WiL. 
What? 

Mrs. B. j 

That's Mr. Linnell's opinion ! 

WiL. 



* Wihnore 
crosses to 
Mrs. Blaney. 
Viveash mov- 
ing behin d 
him to Mrs. 
Wilmore, 
gets chair 
from above 
piano and 
sits on her 
right. 



Mr. Linnell's opinion ! ^ Daubeny, do you hear your 
curate's opinion of the Ten Commandments? Mr. 
Linnell's opinion ! Upon my word ! Mr. Linnell's 
opinion ! Mr. Lin 

Enter GooDYER ^ announcing, "Mr. Linnell." Ed- 
gar Linnell enters at back, a pale, earnest, re- 
fined ascetic, about thirty, giving tJie impression 
of being overzvorked and underfed. He has 
bright, deep, sunken eyes, a beautiful smile, and 
25 



2 Crosses to top 
of table. 



' At back. 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* standing l. c. 
Wilniore 
crosses to 
Linnell C. 
Mrs. Blaney 
crosses to 
head of table. 



a serene expression. Ordinarily his voice is softf 
and his manner subdued, gentle and self-con- 
trolled. GooDYER waits at door for him to enter, 
and then exit. 

Lin. 
(Co^j- fo Mrs. WiLMORE.) How d'ye do? 

Mrs. W. 
{Shakes hands a little coldly.) How d'ye do? 

(Linnell after just bowing to Daubeny and Mrs. 
Blaney, advances to Mr. Wilmore. ^Vil- 
MORE stands indignant, repellent. 

LiN.i 

Is anything the matter ? 

Wil. 

I understand William Sheldrake has confessed to 
you that he — and you're actually encouraging him 
to desert his wretched victim ? 

LiN. 

No. The whole case is most difficult. I'd rather 
not discuss it here. 

Wil. 

I daresay. But I insist on discussing it here. 

Mrs. B. 

We mustn't shirk our duty merely because it is 
shocking and disagreeable.^ 

LiN. 

Sheldrake has thoroughly repented. 

Wil. 
Repented? Rubbish! Blatant rubbish! 

Lin. 



• Mrs. Blaney 
crosses and 
sits down r., 
Daubeny 
having cross- 
ed up to fire- 
place. 



The girl has a bad character, and I believe it was 
she who tempted him. 

26 



TPIE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



^Sits L. of 
table. 



Daub. 
Oh! Oh! Come! Come! Come! 

Lin. 

He never promised to marry her. She is every way 
below him, in class, in manners, in conduct, in feel- 
ing for what is right ! 

WiL. 

Feeling for what is right! Rubbish, sir! Blatant 
claptrap ! ^ 

Lin. 

Sheldrake's sisters are living with him. For their 
sake, I believe it will be a wrong thing to bring a 
girl of that stamp into the family. 

Mrs. B. 

But what can be done with her? We must up- 
hold the sacredness of marriage. 

Lin. 

That's exactly what I am doing. 

WiL. 

What ! Upon my word ! I never heard of any- 
thing so monstrous — so subversive of all the princi- 
ples and convictions that have guided my entire life. 

Lin. 
Have you anything more to say to me ? 

WiL. 

Yes. I hear you're supporting this scheme for turn- 
ing " The Blue Lion " into a working-man's club. 

Lin. 

Yes. An anonymous donor has come forward with 

the money 

27 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



WiL. 

Some election dodge of the dissenters, eh, Daubeny ? 

Daub. 

Well, without being uncharitable towards our dis- 
senting friends 

WiL. 

Just so. I wish to do them every justice, but, 
throughout my life, I have never met with more 
than six dissenters whom I could trust. I hope I 
have misjudged them. 

Lin. 

It is expressly stipulated that politics and religion 
are to be excluded. 



Religion excluded ! 



]\Irs. B. 



Lin. 



Since our object is to avoid disputes; and supply 
the working men with pure recreation, and pure 
beer! 

WiL. 

Pure beer ! And pray, sir, do you constitute your- 
self the sole judge of pure beer? 

Lin. 

No, I rarely taste it. 

WiL. 

Then what is your objection to Felly's entire? 

Lin. 

I have none, 

WiL. 

Then why do you set yourself against a man who 
must surely be a far better judge of pure beer than 
you? 

28 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



Daub. 

I must say, Linnell, your action strikes me as most 
injudicious. Mr. Pelly is a large subscriber to our 
schools 

WiL. 

And thereby provides sound food for the children's 
minds, while he provides sound beer for the parents' 
bodies. 

Daub. 

In your position, your conduct involves the Church 
herself. You are placing her in antagonism to the 
w^orld around her. 

Lin. 
She always has been in antagonism to the world 
around her! She always will be! 

Daub. 

Yes, yes — in a sense. But these are troublous times 
for the Church. What the Church needs to-day is 
"safe men," pre-eminently "safe men"! (Tap- 
ping his sentiments into his stomach with his fat 
fingers.) Safe Christian men! 

Lin. 
Have I done anything a Christian ought not to do? 

WiL. 

It's very difficult to say what a Christian ought or 
ought not to do in these days, but at any rate he 
oughtn't to upset the parish. 

Mrs. B. 

It must set a bad example to the whole neighbour- 
hood when they see their own clergyman wilfully 
flying in the face of all morality. 

Mrs. W. 
You surely don't wish to get out of touch with 
your people? 

29 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* Extending his 
arms in in- 
terrogation. 



• Wilmora 
makes same 
movement. 



• Rises and 
crosses to 
Linnell, a. 



No, I don't wish. 



Lin. 



Daub. 



Then, my dear Linnell, why do it? Why stir up 
strife in a peaceable parish like ours?^ Why? 
Why? Why? 

WiL. 

Yes, indeed, why? Why? Why?^ (Linnell 
doesn't reply.) You see you have no answer I 
Daubeny, perhaps you'll leave this in my hands. 



Certainly. 



Daub. 



WiL. 



I'm a very easy-going man as a rule, but there 
comes a time when my good-nature kicks, and says,* 
" I've had just enough of this." (To Linnell.) 
If you wish to remain in Weybury, you will please 
write to Mr. Pelly that you've advised your friends 
to withdraw from your " Blue Lion " fad, as it is 
unworkable. Do you understand? 

Lin. 
(After a longish pause.) Yes. 

WiL. 

Pelly is very much upset at your attitude, 
might send him some little word of apology. 

Lin. 

Apology ? ! 

WiL. 

(Angrily.) Yes, sir, apology! 
word? 

Lin. 
Yes. Apology. 

30 



You 



Did you catch the 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



WiL. 

You will also please go this evening to William 
Sheldrake, and say that I insist he makes an honest 
woman of Sarah Piper. 

Lin. 
By what process ? 

WiL. 

{Enraged.) By what process? By the good, plain, 
old-fashioned process of holy-matrimony. He will 
have the banns put up next Sunday. 

Lin. 

If he refuses? 

WiL. 

Then I give him notice to leave his farm next 
Michaelmas. 

Lin. 

Mr. Viveash is your estate agent. Wouldn't such 
a message come more fittingly from him ? ^ 

WiL. 

No, sir, I choose you to deliver it, because I wish 
you to represent the moral aspect of the case. 

Vive. 

{Who has been listening and zvatcliing most atten- 
tively all through.) Perhaps Pd better go with 
Linnell and represent the legal aspect. 

WiL. 

That's as you please, so long as Sheldrake under- 
stands he has got to marry the girl. 

Enter Goodyer, door right. 

Good. 

Tea is served in the drawing-room, ma'am.^ * 
{Exit, leaving door open.) 

31 



' Viveash rises 
and replaces 
chair. 



' Mrs. Wilmore 
rises. Vive- 
ash turns lier 
chair to- 
wards piano, 
and moves 
up back c. 

* Cue for 
Floats, 1st 
Border arid 
Arcs 

(Prompt.) to 
change. For 
particulars 
see Lighting 

riot. 



ACT I 



TME HYPOCRITES 



Daub. 

(Rising with alacrity.) Ah! 

WiL. 

Now, Mrs. Blaney/ I feel I can go into tea with 
a clear conscience ! ^ 

(Looking sternly at Linnell os he goes off. 
Exeunt Mrs. Blaney and Wilmore, door right.) 

Daub. 

(To Mrs. Wilmore.) I hope your cook has pro- 
vided some of those delicious hot tea-cakes. 



* Mrs. Blaney 
rises, crosses 
up c. and 
Exits. 

» Wilmore 
Exits. Daiib- 
eny meets 
Mrs. Wil- 
more up c. 



• Patting Mrs. 
Wilmore's 
hand. 



* Closes door. 



Yes, I think. 



Mrs. W. 



Daub.^ 



There's a very excellent, dear creature! (Exit 
right.) 

Mrs. W. 

Aren't you coming to tea, Mr. Linnell? 
Lin. 

Would you mind if I stay here? I have to write 
my letter of " apology " to Mr. Pelly, 

Mrs. W. 
Y^ou'll find pens and paper. Come, Mr. Viveash. 

(Exit right. Viveash is foUozcing her, but stops 
at door and looks at Linnell, zvho has stood 
calm and bitter without moving.'^ Conies iip to 
him and puts his hand on Linnell's shoulder.) 

Vive. 
Linnell, you won't mind my speaking plainly? 

Lin. 
Speak on. 

32 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



Vive. 

For a man with a wife and two children, aren't 
you behaving hke — well, like a silly jackass? 

Lin. 

How? 

Vive. 

Here is a good fat living waiting for you. Can't 
you let this sleepy old place go on its sleepy old 
way? Can't you shut your eyes, hold your tongue, 
and just flick a bit of butter into our friend Wil- 
more's ears every now and then, eh? Isn't it worth 
doing ? 

Lin. 

Perhaps, but I can't do it. 

Vive. 

Why not? 



Lin. 



I spent many 
I had a long. 



Before I entered the priesthood 
months in questioning my motives, 
dark tim.e, but I could see one thing clearly, and 
I shaped my whole life to it. I resolved I would 
always fearlessly say what I thought to be true, al- 
ways fearlessly do what I thought to be right, and 
never think of consequences. That's what I'm 
striving to do now. 

Vive. 

Where do you expect it will land you? 

Lin. 

(Looks at him zvith a grave smile.) Well, if not 
in Paradise, at least in self-respect. 

Vive. 

I should say it would land you in the workhouse. 
My dear Linnell, you aren't a baby; you're an edu- 
cated man. Open your eyes! Look at the world 

33 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* Moves a little 

R.C. 



around you, the world we've got to live in, the 
world we've got to make our bread and cheese in! 
Look at society. What is it? An organized hy- 
pocrisy everywhere! We all live by taking in each 
other's dirty linen, and pretending to wash it; by 
cashing each other's dirty little lies and shams, and 
passing them on! Civilization means rottenness, 
when you get to the core of it! It's rotten every- 
where ! And I fancy it's rather more rotten in this 
rotten little hole than anywhere else.^ (Linnell 
makes a protest.) Oh, yes it is! ' I've been forty 
years in a lawyer's office here. I know the history 
of every family in the place ! If I were to take the 
roof off every house, and show you what's under- 
neath — ! What's the use? It's a lovely, pictur- 
esque little township, nestling at the foot of the un- 
dulating downs. Let it nestle ! Take the guide- 
book view of the place! Let sleeping dogs lie! 
Think it over. Do as I say, and you'll be Vicar 
of Weybury in three months, and, who knows, 
Dean of Gilminster before you die! 



• Crosses up to 
door R. 

' Crosses up to 
c. after him. 

* Viveash stops 
at door. 

• Crosses back 
to him, claps 
him on shoul- 
ders, makes 
gesture of 
despair at 
LinnelVs ob- 
stinacy and 
Exit R. 

* Linnell goes 

to h ead of 
table, puts 
hat on lower 
end of it. 



LiN. 

Thank you. I'm afraid I must go on my way to 
the workhouse. 

Vive. 
(Shrugs his shoulders.) By Jove, you will!^ 

Lin, 

(Quickly.) ^ Forgive me!^ I'm sure your advice 
has been most friendly. I wish I could take it. 
But I can't, I'm not built that way. 

(Viveash looks at him,^ goes off.^) 

Lin, 

(Speaking to himself in a calm, bitter tone.) Dear 
Mr. Pelly, you are a rich brewer; I am a poor cu- 
rate; therefore I apologize to you. You want " The 

34 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



Blue Lion " for your own profit ; I want it for the 
profit of my working men; therefore I apologize to 
you, 

{He laughs a little, bitter laugh, and sits dozvn at 
table to write.) 



Enter Goodyear ^ shozving in Rachel Neve.^ She 
is a beautiful girl, about tzventy, plainly dressed. 
She has a quiet, shrinking, modest manner, and 
delicate, refined features, vuith a settled, frightened 
expression on them. She carries a little hand-bag 
and an umbrella. 

Good. 

Mrs. Wilmore is taking tea just now. 

Rach. 

I sent her a note this morning, telling her I would 
take the liberty of calling.^ 

Good. 
{Placing a chair for her.) What name? 

Rach. 
Miss Neve.'* 

Good. 

I'll tell Mrs. Wilmore.^ 

{Exit GooDYER.^ While he has been speaking to 
Rachel he has turned up the electric lights."^ It 
has been grozjuing gradually dark, and the sunset 
at zvindozv fades azvay into night. Linnell has 
just risen, and bozved very slightly to Rachel. 
During folloiving scene he zvrites at table, and 
tears it up. Rachel has seated herself. He goes 
on zvrifing. She takes a folded letter out of her 
hand-bag, glances through it, and puts it back.) 



I beg pardon- 



Rach. 
35 



* At back 
standing L. 
of door, this 
time only. 

' Who crosses 
to c. Good- 
yer moves 
down on her 



' Ooodyer gets 
chair from 
above piano 
and places it 
L. c. on a line 
ivith Linnell. 
Linnell rises, 
botes to 
Rachel and 
sits again. 



■ Sits. 



^ Goodyer 
crosses tip 
back, closes 
door, stvitch- 
es on lights 
and Exits. 

Right. 

* For particttr 
lars of 
change see 
Lighting 
Plot. 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Lin. 

Can I be of any service to you? 

Rach. 

Perhaps you could tell me. I'm a teacher of draw- 
ing, and I've asked Mrs. Wilmore to see me, be- 
cause I was told she is the leading lady in the 
neighbourhood. 



' Right 



• At back. 



Lin. 



Yes? 



Rach. 

I hoped she might recommend me. I believe there 
is no drawing-master in Weybury? 

Lin. 

No, but there are several in Gilminster. Have you 
any friends in Weybury? 

Rach. 

No. I had a friend who lived near here 

Enter Goodyer.^ 

Good. 
Mrs. Wilmore will see you in a few minutes. 

Rach. 
Thank you. (Exit Goodyer.)^ 

Lin. 

And this friend ? 

Rach. 

That was a long time ago. Do you know of any 
rooms in Weybury, not expensive? I'm troubling 
you? 

Lin. 

Not at all. I'll write out one or two addresses for 
you. 

36 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT 



Thank you. 



Rach. 



Lin. 



(Writing.) Where are your own friends — your 
father and mother ? 

Rach. 

My mother died ten years ago. My father is an 
artist. Times were rather hard, so last spring he 
took an offer from a railway company in Canada 
to make sketches for their advertisements. He's 
there now. 

Lin. 

And he left you alone? Without resources? 
Rach. 

No, I was to have joined him, but — I stayed in 
England. 

Lin. 

And your other friends? 

Rach. 
I have no other friends. 

Lin. 
None? 

Rach. 

No near friends. My father has always gone from 
place to place painting landscapes, so we had no 
regular home. 

Lin. 

(Rises and goes to her with a sheet of paper.) 
I've written several addresses there. (Giving her 
the paper. 

Rach. 
Thank you. 

37 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* Hiding her 
face luith 
hand. 



Lin. 

{Looking at her sympathetically.) I'm afraid 
you've not come on a very hopeful errand. And 
your health has suffered 

Rach.i 

{Quickly.) It's nothing. I'm quite well. 

Lin. 

My name's Linnell. I'm the curate here. If my 
wife or I can be of any use to you, we live in the 
station road, close to the station. 

Rach. 
Thank you. 

{He goes hack to table and seats himself to write,) 

Rach. 

{Again taking out the letter from hand-hag and 
looking round as if limiting for some one.) Has 
Mrs. Wilmore any daughters whom I could teach? 

Lin. 

No. She has an only son. 

Rach. 
And I suppose — this son — he's too old? 

Lin. 

For a drawing-mistress? Yes, I'm afraid. He's 
going to be married next month. 

{He has spoken casually, with his head over the 
table. A spasm of horror and fright passes over 
Rachel's face. She sits overwhelmed for some 
seconds. He continues writing. At length she 
puts hack the letter in hand-bag, rises and stag- 
gers towards door at hack.^) 



• Bias to sup- 
port herself 
by the chair. 

• And crossing 
to her 
quickly. 



Lin. 

{Rising.)^ Is anything the matter? 

38 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



Rach. 

(Who has recovered herself.) No, I thought per- 
haps Mrs. Wilmore might be too busy 

(Mrs. Wilmore enters}) 

Lin. 

Here is Mrs. Wilmore.^ 

(VivEASH follows Mrs. Wilmore on?) 

Mrs. W. 
Miss Rachel Neve? 

Rach. 
Yes. 

Mrs. W. 

You wrote me this morning. You wish to ask my 
advice about giving drawing lessons in Weybury?^ 
You seem to be ill 



Rach. 



No— I 



Mrs. W. 

You've only just arrived in Weybury. Did you 
get any lunch ? 

Rach. 
No. I've had nothing. I suppose it's that. 

Mrs. W. 
They shall get you something. (Rings bell.) 

Rach. 

Oh, please don't trouble. I shall be better in a mo- 
ment. 

Mrs. W. 
My dear child, you're fainting from want of food. 
(GooDYER appears.) * Goodyer, show this young 
lady into the library, and give her some cold meat 
and tea. 

39 



Right. 



* Linnell 
moves up 
c. as Mrs. 
Wilmore 
comes to c. 

' And remains 
above table. 
Linnell 
m.oves round 
back to doum 

R. 



* Rachel again 
staggers. 
Mrs. Wil- 
more advan' 
ces quickly to 
her assist' 
ance. 

• Quickly re- 
covering. 



• At back. Mrt. 
Wilmore up 
R. c. 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Goodyer 
stands out- 
side room at 
back. Rachel 
moves up to 
door. 



' No answer. 
From Rachel, 
who shoics 
anxiety. 



* At back. Mrs. 
Wilmore 
crosses up 
and closes 
door. 



* Viveash 
crosses down 



• Coviing down 
C. a little. 



• Crossinri to- 
wards door 



■» Moving to c. 



• And makes 
significant 
gesture that 
T,inn<ll is in 
the clouds. 



• Eight. 



This way, miss.^ 



Good. 



Mrs. W. 



Why did you come to Weybury of all places to look 
for pupils? 

Rach. 

I was told that you 



Vive. 
Have you brought any letters of recommendation? 

Mrs. W. 

Who mentioned my name to you ? ^ There ! We 
won't bother you now. Go and eat something and 
come back here, and we'll see what can be done. 

Rach. 
Thank you. 

{She goes off-Y 

Mrs. W. 

Extraordinary application ! 

Vive. 

Looks a little queer.* I should get to know some- 
thing about Missy before you help her. 

Mrs. W. 

Oh, I can do nothing for her,** poor creature, except 
give her a sovereign, and pass her on. Are you 
coming back to tea ? ^ 

VlVE."^ 

No. I've had my single cup. 

(LiNNELL is standing absorbed. Mrs. Wilmore 
looks significantly at Viveash zvitJi regard to 
LiNNELL. Viveash shrugs his sJioulders.^ 
She smiles and exit.^ 

40 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



• Crosses to a. 
and hands 
Linnell hia 
hat. 



' Viveash 
crosses up to 
door. Lin- 
nell follow- 
ing. 

* At window 
Helen crosses 
to c. and 
meets Lin- 
nell. Len- 
nard puts 
his hat on 
top end of 
piano and 
comes to I. 
of Helen. 



Vive. 

(Goes to Linnell.) * Now, Linnell, we'll go and 
administer our respective doses of law and gospel 
to William Sheldrake! 

Lin. 

I can only advise him as I've already done. 

Vive. 

Then you'd better keep your mouth shut, and let 
me administer law and gospel too ! ^ 

(As they are going oif , Helen and Lennard ey\- 
ter} 

Hel. 
How d'ye do, Mr. Linnell ? 

Lin. 
How d'ye do? (Shaking hands.) 

Hel. 

I've heard from my father. I wrote him that I 
•wished you to marry us. 

Lin. 

I shall be very pleased, if it's Mr. Wilmore's wish. 

Len. 

Oh, yes, delighted. Very kind of you, Linnell. 

Vive. 
Now, Linnell. 

* (Exeunt Linnell and Viveash.)* 

Len. 

I'm afraid old Daubeny won't like our shunting 
him for the marriage. 

41 



* Arcs 
{Prompt) 
change. For 
particulars 
see Lighting 
Plot. 

*At back. 
Lennard 
crosses and 
leans on top 
end of piano. 
Helen cross- 
es, places her 
hat on lower 
end and sits 
at piano. 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* Bringing 
hands down 
violently on 
keyboard, 
making a 
discord. 



Hel. 

I couldn't be married by Mr. Daubeny! {Going to 
piano, which is cpen, playing disjointed chords dur- 
ing the following scene.) ^ To be blessed by those 
fat hands! {A little shudder.) There would be 
something almost profane about it. Don't you feel 
that ? 

Len, 

No. Old Daub is a very good sort of parson, as 
parsons go. 

Hel. 

{Playing a chord.) Len, I've been talking to your 
mother about marriage. 



Yes? 



Len. 



Hel. 



• Lenruird 
crosses to l. c. 



• Turns in 
chair, facing 
him. 



It seems I've had altogether wrong ideas about 

it. 

Len. 

How? 2 

Hel. 

{Playing occasional bars.) Perhaps my father was 
wrong to bring me up so strictly. He ought to 
have made me go more into society. But I never 
liked it. I always kept back from the world.^ It 
seems to me that if you and I could live here al- 
ways, looking after our own people, and restoring 
the dear old church 

Len. 

Well, why shouldn't we? 

Hel. 

That would be an ideal life for me. Would it con- 
tent you? 

42 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



Len. 
You want me to go to Parliament, don't you? 

Hel. 

But that means living in London. And London 
means society. And society means doing as people 
in society do. Since I had that talk with your 
mother, I begin to hate life. 

Len. 
What did my mother tell you? 

Hel. 
I questioned her about you. 

Len. 

I hope she didn't tell you anything very alarm- 
ing? 



Hel. 

It wasn't what she told me. It was what she 
wouldn't tell me. 

Len. 

Like a good mother, she wanted to make the best 
of me. 

Hel. 

Yes, I saw that. But that made me think the 
worst.^ Lennard, you aren't very different from 
my ideal of you? 



I hope not. 



Len. 



Hel. 



Marriage is very sacred to me. It's a sacrament. 
{Vehemently.) Yes, it's a sacrament! And it 
mustn't be less to you than it is to me! Tell me 
it isn't ! 

43 



• Advancing 
and taking 
his hands. 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Len. 



> Advances to 
her. 



* Half turning 
away from 
him. 



Turning to 
him again. 



* Helen 

crosses up c. 
and turns to 
him. 

• Crosses to 
door right, 
and turns to 
him. Len- 
nard has 
crossed to c. 



No — no *- 



Hel. 

Oh, Len, I love you so much. You know father 
has told Mr. Viveash to settle everything upon 
you. 

Len. 

You're too good — too generous! 
Hel. 

No — that's nothing. I've settled more than that! 
I've settled all my love for always! I've given 
you all — everything that doesn't belong to God. 
And I can't bear 



What? 



Len. 



Hel. 



To think you haven't settled everything upon me ! ^ 
(Bursting into tears.) 

Len. 

I have. You're a little hysterical. 
Hel. 

No. I'm quite calm and sensible.^ Len, there is 
no one (Passionately.) — No woman can ever come 
between us, and say that you 

Len. 
Dearest, you're distressing yourself about nothing. 

(He tries to kiss her, but she escapes from his em- 
brace. ) 

Hel. 

You won't tell me.^ If you hide anything from me, 
I shall be the most miserable girl that ever lived.^ 
Are you coming in to tea? 

44 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



Len. 

In a few minutes. I must give Jenkins orders about 
the beaters to-morrow. 

(Exit Helen. ^ He stands distressed and per- 
plexed, makes a gesture as if dismissing the sub- 
ject, and is going off at back when he comes face 
to face zi'ith Rachel, who enters. 



Len. 
Rachel ! 

Rach. 
Lennard ! 

Len. 
My God ! 

Rack. 

Forgive my coming. I was obliged 

Len. 

Shush! (Closes door.) You've not gone out to 
your father? 

Rach. 
I daren't! 

Len. 
Daren't? 

Rach. 
Can't you guess? 

Len. 
Rachel 1 

Rach. 

I've just heard you are to be married.^ It isn't 
true? 

Len. 

Yes. (She makes a gesture of despair.) I told 
you it was impossible our friendship could con- 
tinue. 

Rach. 
Friendship ? ! ^ 

45 



Right. 



' He moves 
away from 
her to L. c. by 
chair. Ra- 
chel follow- 
ing on his B. 



' Rachel turns 
to chair l. of 
table. 



.CT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* He advances 
to her. 



* Turning to 
him. 



• He moves 
away a step 
toward L. 



* He advances 
to her 
quickly. 



Len.1 

And we parted and said good-bye. 

Rach. 

You promised we should meet again, when I came 
back to England. 

Len. 

Why didn't you go to your father as we arranged? 
Rach. 

There was no boat for a fortnight. Then I began 
to be afraid. So I stayed on in England till I was 
sure ^ — Lennard, it's the worst. 

Len. 

Good Heaven ! But when I left you three months 
ago, you had no thought 

Rach. 

Not then. Oh, this suspense has been terrible! 
Lennard, you will marry me, you promised? 

Len. 
I was free then. I'm not free now. 

Rach. 
And you never told me you were engaged! 

Len. 
I wasn't actually engaged when I last saw you. 

Rach. 

But you were going to be. And it was to get rid 
of me ! ^ Do you remember all you said to me ? 
And you never meant it I 

Len. 

Yes.^ I did mean it. I did love you, Rachel. And 
even now — if there were any way out of it! That's 

46 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



impossible now ! But of course I'll see you through 
as far as I can. {She shows despair, sits down help- 
lessly.) ^ Why did you come here? Why didn't 
you write to me? 



Rach. 

I thought you might be away on some engineering 
M^ork, and then the letter would be opened. I did 

write this morning {Half taking the letter out 

of the hand-hag. 



Len. 



Where are you living? 

Rach. 

I stayed at my cousin's till yesterday. I came here, 
thinking perhaps I could give drawing lessons, and 
then if your mother should only take to me, all 
might be well. Oh, what shall I do? 

Len. 

There's no absolute danger yet, for some months, 
is there? 

Rach. 
Not till the spring. 

Len. 
That gives you time to turn round. 

Rach. 
But it must come ! And then ! I can't face it ! ^ 

Len.^ 
Rachel! Don't give way like this! Rachel! 

He is bending over her, consoling her, when Mrs. 
Wilmore enters, rights 

Mrs. W.^ 

Lennard ! ^ You know this lady ? 

47 



' L. of table. 



* Buries her 
face in her 
arms on 
table. 

* Quickly bend- 
ing over her. 



* Sees Lennard 
bending over 
her and 
closes door. 

* He crosses 
L. c. 

* Mrs. Wilmore 

comes to c. 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Len. 



* Advancing to 
her. 



Yes— I- 



Mrs. W. 
And you allow her to come here? 

Len.^ 
Mother, I've behaved like a scoundrel to her. 

Mrs. W. 

We won't talk of that now. {To Rachel.) Will 
you please leave at once? 

Len. 

Mother, she's the best and truest girl ! Her only 
fault is that she trusted to my word, and I broke 
it! We must help her. 

Mrs. W. 

Certainly, We'll do whatever is right. {To 
Rachel.) Please go now. {Going towards door 
at hack. 

Len. 

Mother, it isn't only herself. (Mrs. Wilmore 
looks inquiringly.) There will be another. 



Mrs. W. 
Len. 



Another? 

My child ! 

Mrs. W. 

{To Rachel.) Is this true? 

Rach. 
Oh, I think I shall kill myself! 

Mrs. W. 

Hush ! Of course we'll help you, but you mustn't 
be seen in Weybury. {Takes out zvatch.) Let me 
think. You'll just have time to catch the 6.15 to 

48 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



Gilminster. Go there, to " The Bear Hotel." 
Stay there to-night. I'll come to you to-morrow 
morning, and arrange something. You'll go? 

Rach.i 
Yes. But Lennard 



Mrs. W. 

{Quickly.) My son's name mustn't be mentioned. 
Promise me you won't bring him into this. 

Rach. 
Of course I won't! I promise. 

Mrs. W. 

Remember that. It's the only condition on which 
I can help you. You understand? 

Rach. 

Yes. I love him too much to 

Mrs. W. 
Hush ! You've no time to spare.^ 

Rach. 

(Going tozvards Lennard.) Good-bye. Oh! I 
can't {Nearly breaks down.) 

Mrs. W. 

{Intercepting.)^ Please — no scenes here. Y^ou 
must go. {She goes towards door.) 

Len. 

Rachel,^ you forgive me? {She nods.)^ Mother, 
I can't let her go like this ! 

Mrs. W.« 

{Intercepting, very imperious.) Lennard, you for- 
get what is due to me, and to — others. Let me save 
you from the consequences of your folly, if I can." 
{Rings bell. Lennard goes np to sofa.) 

49 



* Rachel rises. 



' Crosses up to 
door. 



' Coming down 
quickly 
again and 
opens it. 
Rachel cross- 
ing up R. c. 

* Rachel stops. 

^ Lennard ad- 
vances. 

* Closing door 
quickly. 

' Laughter 
heard out- 
side, also 
talking. Ra- 
chel backs to 
above table. 
Mrs. IVil- 
niore to R. of 
door as Vive- 
ash and Lin- 
nell enter. 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* Viveash 
comes to Mrs. 
Wilmore. 
Linnell re- 
mains in L. 
of doorway. 



* Viveash cross- 
es down L. 



» Waits in 
passage. 



Viveash and Linnell enter at hack.^ 

Vive, 
Oh, you're still busy, 

Mrs. W, 
No. Is it anything important? 

Vive. 

No. A marriage has been arranged between Wil- 
liam Sheldrake and Sarah Piper.^ 

Mrs, W. 
Oh, I'm glad. That's settled then. 

Enter Goodyer at hack with a paper on tray. 

Good. 

Cook asked me to give you this receipt, ma'am. 

Mrs. W. 

Oh, yes. {Takes receipt.) 

Enter Mrs, Blaney, right. 

Mrs, W. 

Goodyer, show this young lady out, and put her 
into the way to the station. 

Good. 

Yes, ma'am,^ 

Mrs, W. 

{To Rachel.) You'll find "The Bear" a very 
comfortable hotel. Till to-morrow, then. Good- 
night, {Shaking hands.) 

Rach. 
Good-night. {Going off.) 

Lin. 

{As Rachel passes him.) I hope you'll be success- 
ful. {Offers hand.) Good-night. 

50 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



Rach. 



Good-night. 



(Shakes hands with him, and hurries off * withoitt 
looking up. GooDYER closes the door, and exit 
after her.^ 

Vive. 
So you're going to take up Missy? 

Mrs. W.=^ 

Oh, no. I'm shopping in Gihninster to-morrow, 
and I've promised to give her a few introductions — 
that's all ! 

Mrs. B.^ 

Dear Mrs. Wilmore, be very careful. She struck 
me as 



Mrs. W. 
How? 

Mrs. B. 

Well, she seemed to avoid meeting my glance. I 
think it's such a good plan to fix your eye steadily 
upon persons, such as servants and governesses — 
like this ^ — give them one piercing look, and if 
they flinch, have nothing to do with them ! 

Daubeny enters,^ follozvcd by Wilmore. 

Daub. 

(To Mrs. Wilmore.) Ah! Ah! I'm sure you've 
forgotten it again ! 

Mrs. W. 
No, here it is. (Giving him the receipt.) 

Daub. 

Thanks. My best respects to your cook. Quails 
Estelle! 

(SitSj"^ takes out his spectacles, and affectionately 
ponders his receipt.) 

51 



' At back. 



' Linnell cross- 
es down to 
Viveash. 



' Corning down 
L. of table. 
Mrs. Blaney, 
who has 
watched Ra- 
chel off, 
comes down 
R. of table. 

* Speaking 
across table. 



" Suits action 
to the word. 



' Right. Cross- 
es above 
table. 



' In armchair 
above fire- 
place. 



ACT I 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* Crosses c. to 
Linnell. Mrs. 
Wilmore 
crosses up to 
Lennard by 
sofa. Mrs. 
Blaney has 
crossed up to 
above table. 



WiL. 

{To Linnell and Viveash.) ^ Did you give Wil- 
liam Sheldrake my message? 

Vive. 
Oh, yes. We put the matter to William in a nut- 
shell, didn't we, Linnell? And the result is, up go 
William and Sarah's banns next Sunday. 

WiL. 

That is so far satisfactory. 

Daub. 

Most satisfactory! 

(Folds up his receipt carefidly, and puts it in his 
pocket.) 

WiL. 

On consideration, Linnell, you might take up this 
subject in your discourse next Sunday. 

Lin. 

What? 

WiL. 

Eh, Daubeny? 

Daub. 

An excellent idea! 

WiL. 

Unless you prefer to deal with it yourself, eh? 

Daub. 
No, ril leave it in Mr. Linnell's hands. 

Mrs. B. 

It's high time that somebody instilled some sort of 
morality into our young people. 

WiL. 

(To Linnell.) Next Sunday evening then.^ 
You'll please let William Sheldrake and Sarah Piper 

52 



• Crosses and 
sits at head 
of table. 
Viveash has 
crossed up to 
up R. back c. 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT I 



and the members of their family know that I wish 
them all to be present. 

Lin. 
What? You wish me to start this wretched pair 
on their newly married life by crying out their 
fault from the housetops, and shaming them before 
all their neighbours ! 

WiL. 

(Very angry.) Yes, sir, I do! Wretched pair in- 
deed! Don't they deserve to be wretched? Shame 
them? Don't they deserve to be ashamed? I beg 
you will hold them up severely as a warning to 
others. And I beg you will represent my attitude 
in this matter as dictated by the fatherly interest I 
take in all my tenants! (Tapping the table vigor- 
ously with his foreiingers to emphasise his senti- 
ments.) And I beg you will let it be understood 
that I have only one rule in these cases, that I will 
tolerate no tampering with the plain dictates of 
morality on my estate ! ( Ceases tapping the table, 
and rises zvith a self-satisfied air.)^ And I don't 
doubt we shall all be very much edified next Sunday 
evening! (Goes towards the group of Daubeny, 
ViVEASH and Mrs. Blaney, turns round to Lin- 
NELL.) Did you hear what I said? 

Lin. 
Yes, I heard you. 



(WiLMORE goes to the group, and is seen to be jus- 
tifying his outburst to them in a vigorous, self- 
satisfied way. Mrs. Wilmore and Lennard 
have remained near window at back, listening 
zvith great apprehension. Linnell stands calm, 
self-controlled. 

curtain. 

Two hours pass between Acts I and 11.^ 



53 



* Crosses to 
Linnell. 



* Act plays 36 
minutes. 



H 

I— I 

« 
O 

o 



^1 








ACT II. 

Scene. — Sitting-room at Mr. Linnell^s. A 
plainly, sparely furnished room in an old ram- 
bling house. On the left is a bozv ivindozv looking 
out on the street. On the right is a fireplace zvith 
fire burning. In the back wall to the right is a 
door leading to the staircase, ivith one step show- 
ing below it. In the back wall a little to the left 
is a door leading into a passage, and beyond the 
passage another door leading into Edgar Lin- 
nell's study. When these doors are open, a view 
is obtained of the study beyond them. In the 
back zvall to the left is a small zvindozv zuith little 
red curtains, drawn apart, so that the passage can 
again be seen, lighted by an oil lamp, and leading 
up to the front door of the house. An easy chair 
above the fireplace with a table above it against 
the left zvall. Another table is dozvn stage left 
with chairs to the right and above it. Cheap 
prints on the zvalls. Cheap, but not ugly, furni- 
ture. The place gives an impression of genteel 
poverty, but contains nothing in bad taste. 

The Time is about eight on the evening of the same 
day, and the room is lighted zvith oil-lamps. On 
the table to the left are a rug, and the umbrella 
and hand-bag zuhich Rachel has carried in Act 



Discover Patty shozving in Mrs. Blaney. Patty 
is the Linnells' servant, a neat, sharp, little 
country girl in a cotton frock.^ 

Mrs. B. 
Dr. Blaney is still here? 

55 



* Mrs. Blaney 
enters to l. c. 
Patty follows 
to R. of her, 
leaving room- 
door open, 
through 
which is seen 
door of room 
opposite, als& 
a little open^ 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Patty, 

Yes, ma'am. In the study with Mr. and Mrs. Lin- 
nell binding up the poor young lady's foot. 

Mrs. B. 

(At door, listening across the passage.) How did 
the accident happen? 

Patty. 

The lady slipped down the steps at the station, and 
sprained her foot so bad as she couldn't walk. 

Mrs. B. 
What made them bring her here? 

Patty. 

Mrs. Linnell was going by train to Gilminster to do 
her shopping, and saw the young lady fall. And, 
as our house was close by, she had her brought 
here in Mr. Perry's new red van. 

Mrs. B. 

(Listening.) I can hear Mr. Linnell's voice, and 
the Doctor's, but I can't distinguish a word. 

Patty. 

Oh, isn't it annoying, ma'am, when you just can't 
catch 

(Mrs. Blaney frowns at Iier,^ and comes azvay 
from door to the table, examines the rug, um- 
brella, and hand-bog. 

Mrs. B. 
Do these belong to the young person? 

Patty. 
Yes, ma'am.^ 

Mrs. B.3 

A very peculiar rug ! Much more like a man's rug 
than a lady's ! ^ 

56 



* Crosses to top 
of table. 



* Patty comes 
to R. of table. 

* Takes it up 
and exam- 
ines it. 

* Puts it down 
again and 
takes up urn- 
brella. 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



Patty. 
It has got a man's look about it! 

Mrs. B. 

And quite a common umbrella. (Examining the 
texture. ) ^ 

Patty. 

Yes, ma'am. Not a penny more than seven and 
sixpence. 

Mrs. B. 



{Taking up the hand-bag, looking at the initials.) 
R. N. I suppose it's the drawing-mistress person 
who called on Mrs. Wilmore. {She has managed 
to open the hand-bag and peep in.^ Suddenly.) 
Patty, please tell Dr. Blaney his dinner is getting 
cold, and that I'm waiting. 



Patty. 



Yes, ma'am.^ 



(Patty goes across passage, and is seen to enter 
the study door opposite. The moment her back 
is turned, Mrs. Blaney takes a folded letter out 
of the hand-bag, hesitates, puts it back, looks long- 
ingly at bag, gives zvay to her curiosity,'^ takes 
out the letter, reads: "Wednesday morning" — 
that's this morning. Glancing round at study 
door, reads : " I am in Weybury,^ and must see 
you at once." — The study door, which has been 
open a little zvay, is opened wide by Dr. Blaney, 
who appears at it, speaking oif into study. He is 
a stout, middle-aged man, with a bland, sleek, 
formal, deferential, bedside tnanner. 

Dr. B. 

{At the study door.) Rest the foot entirely.^ 
Don't leave that sofa. Above all, no excitement. 
Perfect quiet. Good evening. 

57 



' and putting 
it down on 
table. Patty 
takes it up at 
once — Mrs. 
Blaney picks 
up hand-bag. 



^ As she holds 
hand-bag it 
falls open, 
disclosing a 
letter inside. 
Rei^laces bag 
on table. 



'Pn<s umbrella 
on table. 



* Looks roti7id 
quickly to see 
no one is 
watching. 



* Dr. Blaney 
appears 
from back 
room. 



« Mrs. Blaney 
quickly re- 
places letter 
and crosses 
to window. 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



{He speaks that at the study door, and crosses 
passage into room.^ Mrs. Linnell and Lin- 
NELL follow him in from the study. Mrs. Lin- 
nell is in outdoor clothes. 



* To R. c. Mrs. 
Linnell fol- 
lows to c. 
Linnell 
round back 
and dotirn r., 
having closed 
door as he 
entered. 



• Crossing to 
Mrs. Linnell. 



Dr. B. 

A sprain. Quite a simple sprain. No cause for 
serious alarm. There is also a temperature which 
may, or may not, develop into some more or less 
pronounced form of fever. She says she has been 
living with some cousin in London. I should ad- 
vise getting her back there at once. 

Lin. 

There's no train for London to-night, and if she 
has a temperature, mightn't it be dangerous? 

Dr. B. 

Well, from that point of view, it is inadvisable to 
move her. 

Mrs. B. 

Who is she, and what is she doing in Weybury? 

Mrs. L. 
She seems to be a lady. 

Mrs. B. 

There are so many sorts of ladies nowadays.^ And 
before you allow her to have an infectious fever 
here, with your two children so liable to catch any- 
thing and everything 

Mrs. L. 

Her box was labelled for Gilminster. I'm going 
there. Shall I order a carriage, and take her over? 

Lin. 

What would you do v/ith her? 

58 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



Mrs. B. 

Send her to the best hotel. She'll be far more com- 
fortable there than staying here and running up a 
heavy doctor's bill, without any means of paying. 

Dr. B. 

Under the circumstances, that might be the wiser 
plan. 

Lin. 
I don't think we'll turn her out to-night. 

Dr. B. 

In that case we m.ust do our best for her. I'll send 
in a soothing draught, and a lotion for the foot. 
As regards diet — a little arrowroot or gruel; noth- 
ing heavy; no meat; no solids; no stimulants. A 
little soda and milk to drink. Above all, no ex- 
citement. Perfect quiet. Of course, if the temper- 
ature should rise still higher — but we trust it won't. 
{To LiNNELL.) ^ Good evening. (To Mrs. Lin- 
NELL. ) Good evening, Mrs. Linnell. Now, 
Matilda ! 

{He goes off into passage, foUozved by Linnell. 
They are seen through the zvindow talking at 
lamp. ) 

Mrs. B. 

Where's her other luggage? 

Mrs. L. 
At the station. 

Mrs. B. 
What's it like? 

Mrs. L. 
One large trunk. 

Mrs. B. 

I should unpack it for her, and look very carefully 
through everything. 

59 



1 Linnell crosS' 
es up to door. 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Mrs. L. 
I couldn't do that. 

Dr. B. 

(Voice from passage.) Now, Matilda! 

Mrs. B. 

Coming, dear! I'll run in again after dinner, and 
see if you've found out anything about her, 

(Exit at back. She is seen to pass tJie windozv with 

* Door slam. LiNNELL and Dr. BlANEY.^ MrS. LiNNELL 

takes up the hand-bag and looks at the initials. 
*Toc. A moment later Linnell re-enters the room? 

Lin. 

Rather unfortunate, eh, Mary? Stopped your 
shopping? 

Mrs. L. 

No, they keep open late on market night, and sell 
off cheap. One must save every penny when one 
has an extravagant husband like you. 

Lin. 

Extravagant? I? In what? 

Mrs. L. 

In your ideas of right and wrong. They're far 
too expensive for our position. You can't afford 
them on a hundred and twenty a year. 

Lin. 

I can't afford to do what's right on a hundred and 
twenty a year? 

Mrs. L. 

No, not when it offends everybody, and brings your 
children to beggary. 

Lin. 

(Very gently strokes her hair.) "Thou speakest 
as one of the foolish women." 

60 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



Mrs. L. 

(Edging away front his caress.) No, I speak like 
a good wife and mother.* There's scarcely a labor- 
er's home in Weybury that hasn't more comforts 
and luxuries than ours. Edgar,^ won't you do as 
Mr. Wilmore wishes ? 



How? 



Lin. 



Mrs. L. 



Study him. Make friends with him. Then he'd 
give you the living. (Glancing out of zvindow.) 
There's the signal down. I shall only just catch 
the train. (Kissing him.) You're to do as I tell 
you. For our children's sake! 

Lin. 
I can't bow the knee to Baal, 



Yes, you can.^ 
Weybury.^ 



Mrs. L. 
It's the only way to be vicar of 



(LiNNELL stands perplexed, sighs deeply, goes to 
staircase door, opens it, takes off the coat he is 
wearing, takes from peg a very old, threadbare 
coat, which is hanging there, hangs up the coat 
he has taken off.)^ 

(Enter Patty from study. )^ 

Patty. 

The young lady has asked for her rug and things. 

Lin. 

(Putting on the old coat.) You took my letter to 
Mr. Wilmore? 

6i 



• Crosses to R. 
c. impati- 
ently. 



* Advancing to 
him. 



* Crosses up to 
door c. 

* Mrs. Linnell 
exit at back, 
jKisses win- 
dow in pas- 
sage, and off 
at front 
door, which 
is heard to 
shut behind 
her. 

* Crosses to 
fireplace 
putting on 
coat. 

* Crosses to be- 
low table for 
rug, etc. 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



» Faring Lin- 
nell. 



Patty. 
Yes, sir.^ He was in the hall, and he took it and 
read it. 

Lin. 
Well? 

Patty. 

He g-ot as red as a turkey cock. " Oh, indeed," 
he says. " Tell Mr. Linnell I'll come and talk to 
him myself after dinner," he says, and then he 
marched off as if all the world belonged to him. 

Lin. 
That will do, Patty. 

( Turns from her towards the £re. Patty takes 
up the rug, umbrella and bag, and goes off with 
them. She carries the hand-bag upside down, 
and the letter slips out of the pocket on to the 
floor near the door. Linnell stands in per- 
plc.vityj^ sees the letter, goes up to it, picks it 
up.') 

Lin. 

{Reading.) "Wednesday morning^. I am in 
Weybury and must see you." Who's this? "You 
must keep your promise, or the shame will drive me 
mad. I am coming to call on your mother in the 
hope of seeing you, and giving you this. You 
will marry me " {He shows surprise, and his 



• Crosses up to 
close door, 
which Patty 
has left open, 

8 But does not 
close door. 
Crosses to 
above table, 
reading. 



Of the room. 



'• Looking 
about anx- 
umsly. 



hand drops zvith the letter at his side. ) Shame ! ! 

{The door at back opens, and Rachel stands there, 
pale and distracted, leaning on a walking-stick, 
and against the doorway."^) 

Lin. 
You shouldn't have moved. Your foot? 



{Indicating stick,) 
lost a letter 



Rach. 
I found this in there.*^ 

62 



I've 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



Lin. 
(Offering the letter.) Is it this? 

Rach. 

(Takes it eagerly, just glances at it.) You've read 
it? 

Lin. 

Only the opening sentences. At first, I thought it 
was addressed to me. 

Rach. 

(Darting at him a look of eager inquiry.) You 
know ? 

(He does not reply. She limps hurriedly to the fire, 
puts the letter on it, and drops exhausted into the 
easy chair. He ^ comes up to her with a sympa- 
thetic gesture.) 

Rach. 
Y^ou wish me to leave here ? 

Lin. 
Not till you have iound another home. 

Rach. 

Home? I shall never have a home, unless — Oh, 
what shall I do ? 



Lin. 

That letter was written to somebody in Weybury, 
and never delivered. (She docs not reply.) To 
Mr. Lennard Wilmore? 



(Quickly.) No. 
No? 



Rach. 

Lin. 

Rach. 



No. I mustn't say whom it was written to. That 

63 



' Closes door 
and cornea to 
her L. 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



doesn't matter. {Suddenly attempting to rise.) I 
must go to Gilminster. 



* Ue goes to he^ 
ussistance. 



(She rises, ^ but her foot gives way, and she sinks 

into chair.) 

Lin. 

There's no train till eleven. You can't go to-night. 

Rach. 

I am sorry to be so much trouble. 

Lin. 

Don't think of that. Think only how we can help 
you to meet this. 

Rach. 

Thank you. (A pause. She suddenly looks at 
him.) I want to ask you one question. 



Ask me. 



Lin. 



Rach. 



Because I've done wrong, my child won't do wrong 
— won't grow up to be wicked ? 

Lin. 

Your child's future is in your hands to shape. Be- 
gin to change from this moment. There lies the 
best hope for your child. 

Rach. 
You think I'm a bad girl ? 

Lin. 
No; but if you are, then you're my especial charge. 

Rach. 

I'm not a bad girl. I've made one mistake, and 
now I can't get back. 

64 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



Lin. 
Are you sure of that? 

Rach. 

{Eagerly.) Can I? Show me the way! 

Lin. 

There's only the one old way. You've done wrong. 
You repent. 

Rach. 

Oh, yes, I repent. But repentance doesn't get you 
back. I want to get back to where I was. 

Lin. 

That's impossible. Things can never be as they 
were. But put the past behind you. Look to the 
future. Resolve to bear the burden of your wrong- 
doing bravely. 

Rach. 

I can't! I can't face it! All my life long! All my 
life long! 

Lin. 
Life's a running stream. However foul and muddy 
it may be, it clears and purifies itself as it goes 
along. So it will be with yours. 

Rach. 

No ! No ! How can I meet people ? Everybody 
will avoid me! 

Lin. 
I won't, ril help you. I'll be your friend. 

Rach. 
{Looks up gratefully.) How kind you are! 

Lin. 

Tell me what I can do. Shall I write to your 
father ? 

65 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Rach. 

No, not yet. He's so happy out there with his 
work. And when he comes home — to me! 



* Bending over 
her. 



• Looking up 
at him. 



• They cross up 
c. She sud- 
denly stops, 
turns to him. 



But he'll forgive you ', 



Lin. 



Rach. 



Oh, yes, he's kindness itself. That's why I don't 
wish to break his heart. 

LiN.i 
Let me speak to the man who brought you to this. 

Rach. 

The man who ? 

Lin. 



Lennard Wilmore. 



Rach.2 



But it wasn't — you're quite wrong in thinking that 
letter was from him. {He looks sternly at her, her 
eyes drop, she shows confusion.) I mean — it 
would be useless — you're mistaken. 

Lin. 

(Very cold and stern.) I can do nothing for you 
unless you're quite truthful with me. Your foot is 
paining you. Let me help you back to the sofa. 

(Helping her to rise, giving her his arm.^) 

Rach. 

(Suddenly.) Oh, don't you turn against me! 

Lin. 

I won't. Let me try to set things straight for you, 
will you? 

66 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



Rach. 
Yes — at least — Oh, I don't know what to do! (Sud- 
denly, zvith great agitation.) I mustn't stay 

here 

(A knock off at the front door}) 

Lin. 



* Patty is seen 
to cross from 
room at back 
to front door. 



Calm yourself. Make up your mind to stay to- 
night, and in the morning we'll decide what to do. 

Rach. 
Thank you!^ That 's not Mrs. Wilmore? 

Lin. 
Rest there a moment. I'll see who it is. 

(He is putting her into the chair near the door^ 
when Patty, zuho has opened the front door, 
enters from passage, showing in Helen.^) 

Patty. 
Here's Miss Plugenet, sir. 

Hel. 
(Entering.) Oh, I'm so sorry. You're engaged? 

Lin. 
No. Come in. A lady who has met with an acci- 
dent. We're taking care of her for the night. 

(Helen and Rachel bow slightly to each other.) 

Hel. 
You're suffering 

Rach. 

My foot is sprained. 

Hel. 
Can I do anything for you? 

Rach. 

No, thank you. 

67 



' Showing anX' 
iety. 



' And stands a 
little below 
her, on her r. 

• Who comes c. 
Patty staiida 
by door. 



ACT 11 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* Helen moves 
towards 
table. Patty 
goes to Ra- 
chel, and 
supporting 
her, helps her 
to rise and 
cross to door. 



• Jn doorway. 



Lin. 

Patty, help the lady back to the sofa.^ 

Patty. 

Lean on me, Miss. Shove me about as much as 
you like. Pm as strong as a cart-horse. 

Rach. 

(Looking round a little mildly. ) ^ You mustn't 
think — what you thought is not true 

Lin. 

(Soothingly.) Let Patty take care of you. Fll 
come to you in a few minutes. 

(Helping Patty and Rachel off at door at back. 
He closes door after them. ) 

Hel. 
I didn't know you had a visitor. You're busy? 

Lin. 
No. Sit down.3 What is it? 

Hel. 

Mr. Linnell, we're almost strangers, but I feel I 
may trust you absolutely. Isn't that so?. 



• ^elen sits n. 
of L. c. table. 
He comes 
down c. 



Lin. 



Yes. 



Hel. 



I'm in great perplexity. 



Tell me. 



Lin. 



Hel. 



* Rises and 
goes to him. 



(Suddenly.^) Ought I to marry Lennard?" 

Lin. 

What makes you ask me that ? 

68 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT ir 



Hel. 

Because — Mrs. Wilmore puts me off. And I've 
come to you, because you won't put me off. You 
won't tell me these things don't matter; that all 
young' men sow their wild oats ; and that I'm fool- 
ish to ask from Lennard what I bring to him — my 
whole heart, my whole nature, my whole life. I've 
explained myself badly. But you understand? 

Lin. 
I think I do. 

Hel. 

Then ought I to marry him? 

Lin. 

You love him? 

Hel. 

(Warmly.) With all my heart. Should I have 
accepted him else? I came fresh from school. 
That was four months ago, and for the first month 
all was like a happy dream. Then I got this ter- 
rible doubt, and I can't rest. I'm not foolish ! I'm 
not hysterical ! I can't marry him if I feel he is still 
bound to — to some one who came before me. What 
can I do ? 

Lin. 

Shouldn't you go to your father? 

Hel. 

No. He wouldn't understand. That's why I came 
to you. 

Lin. 

(After a long pause.) I cannot advise you. 

Hel. 

You can't? Isn't it your duty to advise me? Isn't 
that why you are a clergyman? 

(Linnell takes a step or tmo in great perplexity.^) ' ' Towarda&. 

69 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* Takes a step 
towards him. 



Lin. 
Have you heard anything — or seen — or guessed? 

Hel. 

I've questioned Mrs. Wilmore. Just now, after 
dinner, I begged her to be quite frank with me, but 
I feel she's hiding something. That drove me to 
you.* Do you know anything? 

Lin. 
That is a question I did not hear. 

Hel. 

Then you do know. (He turns azvay from her 
very coldly.) I beg your pardon. I'm wrong to 
speak Hke that. But I trust you. I throw myself 
upon you. Advise me as you would your own 
sister! 

Lin. 

Let me think this over. Come to me to-morrow 
morning, will you? 

Hel. 

Yes. You don't blame me for this? I'm not a 
traitor to Lennard ? 

Lin. 
Not if you are true to your best instinct. 

Hel. 
It is my best instinct, and I must obey it. 

Lin. 
{Warmly shaking her hand.) You're right! {A 
knock off at the front door. Patty goes to it from 
study. ) 

Hel. 

I'll come to you to-morrow morning, then? {He 
nods.) Thank you so much. 

70 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



« Linnell 
moves to R. C. 
Helen to l. c. 



Lin. 

For what? 

Hel. 

You quiet me, and comfort me, I feel you're quite 
honest. 

Lin. 

(Smiling.) Are honest men so scarce? 

Enter Lennard, in evening dress}- 

Len. 

Ah! I guessed I should find you here. {Looking 
anxiously from one to the other.) More spiritual 
advice and ghostly comfort, eh, Linnell? I begin to 
be jealous. 

Hel. 

You shouldn't speak like that. You make sacred 
things so cheap. 

Len. 

{Betraying a little nervousness and alarm.) I beg 
your pardon. I interrupted you. {Looking from, 
one to the other.) Has anything happened? 

Hel. 

No. Oh, yes — that young lady — can we do any- 
thing for her? 

Len.^ 

Ah, Linnell, my mother heard of the accident at 
the station. She's coming here presently. 

LiN. 

Indeed ! 

Len. 
She has taken a great interest in this young girl. 
Now, Helen. Good night, Linnell.^ 

Lin. 
(Puts his hand on Lennard's shoulder.) Will you 
come back by-and-by? 

71 



* Crosses to 
Linnell. 



* About to 
cross to door. 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* Drops cap at 

back, looks 
out and then 
comes doivn 
c. then cross- 
es to chair 
<ind sits. 
Directly he is 
seated the 
Jront door is 
heard to 
slam. He 
rises nerv- 
ously. 

* Comes dovm 
c. 



Why; 



I want to speak to you. 



Certainly, but- 



Why not stay now ? 



I must see you home. 



Len. 
Lin. 

Len. 
Hel. 

Len. 

Hel. 



No. It's only across two fields, and it's moonlight. 
I'll leave him with you, Mr. Linnell. 



Well, if you wish- 



Len. 



Hel. 



I do. 



(Going off at back.) Oh, don't trouble. 

(To Linnell, who accompanies her to the front 
door and opens it for her. Meantime Lennard 
shows great apprehension, goes up to door, looks 
after them,^ tries to compose himself, azvaits 
Linnell's return with great anxiety. Linnell 
reenters, closes the door after him.^ 

Lin. 

Will you sit down? (Lennard sits apprehen- 
sively.) Mrs. Wilmore takes a great interest in 
Miss Neve? 

Len. 
Neve — is that her name? 



Didn't you know? 



Lin. 



72 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



Len. 
I think my mother mentioned it. 

Lin. 

Does Mrs. Wilmore know Miss Neve's history? 

Len. 

I suppose she has told my mother something about 
herself. 

Lin. 

How much does Mrs. Wilmore know? 

Len. 
You're very mysterious. What do you mean? 

Lin. 

I mean, does Mrs. Wilmore know the history of 
Miss Neve's relations with you? 

Len. 

(Starts tip, betrays himself, then quickly recovers, 
stands face to face with Linnell for a moment.) 
Relations with me ! What bee have you got in 
your bonnet now? I'll send my mother down to 
you. You'd better ask her. (Going off, opens 
door}) 

Lin. 

Stop.^ I'm trying to save those dear to you from 
terrible sorrow and shame. To-morrow it may be 



too late.^ 

(Lennard closes door and comes down to him.) 

Lin. 

( Very tenderly.'^ ) Come, my dear lad ! You see 
I know! So spare yourself all further equivocation, 
and let me help you if I can, 

Len. 
It's a pretty bad business, isn't it? 

73 



Linnell crosS' 
€s to below 
table. 



' Lennard 
stops at door. 



^ Lennard 
looks at him, 
hesitates, 
closes door, 
comes down 
and sits L. C. 
again. 

* Putting his 
hand on Len- 
nard''s shoul- 
der. 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Lin. 
Trust me. Did you promise to marry her? 

Len. 

I suppose I did. When a man's in love he promises 
everything. 

Lin. 

And you became engaged to Miss Plugenet, know- 
ing that this other 

Len. 

No, I'm not quite so bad as that. I hadn't seen 
Helen since we were children. I was in Scotland 
last spring in charge of the railway, and when Mr. 
Neve left his daughter to go to Canada, she and I 
were thrown together a good deal. Then the rail- 
way was finished, and I came home and met Helen. 
Before I became engaged I saw Miss Neve again 
for a few days. We said, " Good-bye," and parted, 
thinking it was all at an end. It was only to-day 
that I knew the cursed truth. 

Lin. 

What do you intend to do ? 

Len. 
My mother has promised to take care of her. 

Lin. 
And Miss Plugenet ? 

Len. 
There's no need she should know, is there? 

Lin. 

You'd marry Miss Plugenet, knowing this other 
one has your promise, knowing what she is going 
to suffer for you ! 

74 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



Len. 

It is rough on her, poor girl! And she's really 
good. It was her very innocence — and she did 
love me! When I remember how her face used to 
light up with the loveliest smile when she caught 
sight of me — by Jove, Linnell, a man may get to 
be a big scoundrel without meaning it, and without 
knowing it. 

Lin. 

But when he does know it, then he resolutely sets to 
work to undo the wrong he has done — as you mean 
to do? 

Len. 

.Well, of course we shall provide for her. 

Lin. 

Yes — but Miss Plugenet? (A knock off at the 



front doar^) 



Len. 



I expect that's my mother. (Patty goes to front 
door and admits Mrs. Wilmore into passage.) 
You'll help us to keep this quiet, eh ? You won't go 
against us, and let it all come out ? ^ 

Mrs. W. 

In here? Oh, yes. (She enters.^) Ah, Len, why 
didn't you go back with Helen? Run back home, 
I want to have a little chat with Mr. Linnell about 
this young drawing-mistress. (Looking at Lin- 
nell.) 

Lin. 

(Stern and dignified.) If you please. 

(Mrs. Wilmore, arrested by his manner, looks in- 
quiringly at him and Lennard.) 

Len. 

Mother, he knows. 

75 



' Lennard 
rises. 



* Lennard 
crosses to B. 



» Comes c. 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Mrs. W. 

Knows what ? What has this girl been telling you ? 

Lin. 

Nothing. By accident I saw a letter she wrote to 
your son. 

Mrs. W. 
Why should she write to Lennard? 
Lin. 

Isn't it very natural? 

(Lennard is about to speak, but Mrs. Wilmore 
secretly hushes him with a warning gesture.) 

Mrs. W. 
Was this letter addressed to Lennard? 

Lin. 
No. 

Mrs. W. 
Then to whom ? 

Lin. 

To no one. 

Mrs. W. 

And you jump to the conclusion that where is 

this girl? 

{Going to door. Linnell intercepts her.''-) 

Lin. 



' Crossing up 
Im c. 



• Linnell is by 
door. 



One moment. She's very feverish and excited. 
Let me prepare her first. 

Mrs. W. 
2 You won't prompt her to repeat this story? 

Lin. 

Story? You know it, then? 

76 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



Mrs. W. 

It's easy to guess. I must see her, and get at the 
truth. 

Lin. 

The truth is as you know it. 

{Exit} Mrs. Wilmore zvatchcs him off, then 
turns quickly to Lennard. Her action through- 
out is rapid, keen, resolute, energetic, resourceful, 
remorseless, unflinching. ) 

Mrs. W.2 
Quick, Len! What has taken place? 

Len. 
He accused me, and of course I denied it. 

Mrs. W. 



You denied it? 



Len. 



At first. But, when I saw the game was up, I gave 
in. 

Mrs. W. 
Gave in? 

Len. 

I said I was sorry. 

Mrs. W. 
What else ? Tell me all. 

Len. 
I'm afraid I let out I'd promised to marry the girl. 

Mrs. W. 

(With a gesture of despair.) You've ruined your- 
self! 

Len. 

Can't we get him to hold his tongue? 

77 



' to passage. 



Crossing to 
him. 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Mrs. W. 

I'm afraid not. I'll try. I'll try everything. 
{With a sudden thought.) You say you did deny 
it at first ? 

Len. 

Yes. I rounded on him, and asked him what bee 
he had got in his bonnet ! 

Mks. W. 

Yes ! Yes ! And then you said you were sorry, 
and pitied her, and he totally misunderstood you. 
It's only his word against yours. If we can only 
get the girl out of the way ! What evidence is 
there to connect her with you in Scotland ? 

Len. 
Nothing that anybody can lay hold of. 

Mrs. W. 

Think! There were other young fellows there — 
your chums on the railway? 

Len. 
Bruce Kerrick. 

Mrs. W. 
{Looking at him.) It might have been him? 

Len. 
It might, but it wasn't. 

Mrs. W. 
Where is he now? 

Len. 

In South Africa. 

Mrs. W. 

South Africa ? Good ! Your father will be here 
directly. You'd better not wait. Leave this to 
me. Oh, Len, if I can save you yet! 

78 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



Len. 

You are a brick, mother! And I've brought you 
nothing but trouble. 

Mrs. W. 

Never mind that now. (Opening the door for 
hhn.) Go! (Lennard goes noiselessly into pas- 
sage. ) 

TvIrs. \V. 

(Watches him off.) Hush! ^ (As he goes off, at 
front door.) 

(He closes the front door noiselessly behind him; 
and she stands thougJitfid, scheming, deeply con- 
sidering. After a moment Linnell re-enters 
from study, and comes into room. Mrs. Wil- 
more composes her features.) 

Lin. 

(Entering.) Your son has gone?^ 

Mrs. W. 

There was no reason for him to stay, was there? 

Lin. 

We must come to some understanding about Miss 
Neve. 

Mrs. W. 

Yes. What is to be done with her? You can't 
expect Mrs. Linnell to nurse a stranger through a 
long illness. 

Lin. 

The sprain will only last a few days. But there's a 

fever 

Mrs. W. 

Yes, poor creature! I know of some excellent 
rooms in Gilminster. I'll take entire charge of 
her myself, and see that she's thoroughly nursed. 

79 



* She closes 
room door, 
and comes 
down R. c. 
thinking. 



* Coming down 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Lin. 

Pardon me, when I told her just now you were 
here, she seemed very much distressed. 

Mrs. W. 

Why should she be distressed? 

Lin. 

{Sternly.) Mrs. Wilmore, if we are to find some 
way out of this wretched business, I must beg you 
to be quite candid with me. 

Mrs. W. 

{Rather hotly.) I don't understand you! Why 
shouldn't I be allowed to take care of Miss Neve? 

Lin. 

You forget, there is another question behind. 

Mrs. W. 
What question? 

Lin. 

Miss Plugenet. {A loud knock off at the front 
door.) 

Mrs. W. 

I believe that's Mr. Wilmore. He doesn't know 
about this. {Another loud, impatient knock.) 
Perhaps it would be better not to tell him for the 
present, at least not until you and I have decided 
what to do. 

{After the second knock Wilmore has entered at 
front door into passage. Patty, who has corns 
out of the study to open the door for him, meets 
him in passage.) 



* He crosses to 
top of table, 
puts hat 
down. 



WiL. 

{Voice in passage.) Mr. 
Please show me in to him. 



Linnell at home? 



{He blusters in, and closes the door after him.^) 
80 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



WiL. 

Excuse this unceremonious entrance, Linnell, but 
your letter about Sheldrake has thoroughly upset 
me. Coming just before dinner too — I could 
scarcely touch a morsel. Haunch of venison too! 
You saw me refuse everything, Charlotte? 

Mrs. W. 
Yes, but something else has arisen 



Wii. 

I don't care what has arisen. We'll attend to this 
first. Now, sir, I've been talking with your Vicar, 

and we're thoroughly agreed (Mrs. Wilmore 

is making covert signs.) Please don't interrupt me, 
Charlotte.^ It comes to this — you will either up- 
hold my ideas as regards morality, or you will leave 
Weybury forthwith. Which do you mean to do? 

Lin. 
What are your ideas as regards morality? 

WiL. 

(Upset.) Upon my word! My ideas of morality, 
sir (tapping the table zmth his forefingers), are the 
good, plain, old-fashioned ideas which all right- 
minded persons hold ! And always have held ! 
And always will hold! Do you, or do you not, 
intend to carry out my instructions respecting Wil- 
liam Sheldrake? 

Lin, 

Meantime, what are your instructions respecting 
your own son? 

WiL. 

My son? 

Lin. 

Look at home, Mr. Wilmore ! Deal with your own 
household first. 

8i 



• Mrs. Wilmore 
moves to fire- 
place, lean- 
ing on man- 
tel-piece. 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



WiL. 

I don't know what you mean. Explain yourself, 
sir! 

Lin. 

You will have no tampering with the plain dictates 
of morality? You have only one rule in these 
cases? Do you wish it to be carried out in the case 
of your own son, and the girl in the next room? 

WiL. 

{To Mrs. Wilmore.) Do you know anything 
about this? 

(Patty enters at hack.) 

Patty. 

If you please, sir, will you come to the young lady? 
She's light-headed, and says she must see you 

Lin. 

I'll come to her. 

{Exit Patty into study. Linnell follozvs her oif, 
closing door.) 

WiL. 

Charlotte {To Mrs. Wilmore.^) Is this 

true? (Mrs. Wilmore nods.^) Does the girl 
mean to kick up a fuss? 

Mrs. W. 
No. If I can get hold of her, I think she'll be per- 
suaded to go away and keep quiet. It's Linnell we 
have to reckon with.^ 

WiL. 

I wish now that I hadn't been so very strict about 
Sheldrake. 

Mrs. W. 

Sheldrake? It's Lennard I'm thinking of! We 
must buy or silence Linnell somehow •* — at any 

price. 

82 



* Has followed 
Linnell up to 
door. 

* Wilmore ex- 
pressively 
scratches his 
cheek. 



* Crosses down 

R.C. 



• Crosses to c. 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



* Crossing r. c. 



* Crossing 
down L. and 
back to c. 



WiL. 

I don't feel very much like eating humble pie to a 
curate. (Bursts out}) It's abominable of Lennard 
to place me in a position where I — and after all I've 
done for morality too ! 

Mrs. W. 

Oh, please don't. Can't you see, if this comes out, 
the marriage with Helen will be broken off, and 
Lennard will be ruined? 

WiL. 

Lennard ruined ! We shall all be ruined ! Viveash 
is in it too! They'll foreclose the mortgages, and 
then what becomes of us ? 

Mrs. W.2 

What does it matter what becomes of us? We've 
had our day. But Len! My darling! Just as 
everything had opened so brightly for him ! 

WiL. 

I suppose I'd better offer Linnell the living? 
Mrs. W. 

Yes, perhaps. Wait and see if I can bring him 
round. 

WiL. 

And if you can't? 

Mrs. W. 

(Resolutely.) We must face it out that Linnell 
has made a terrible mistake, and get him out of the 
place as soon as we can. 

W^IL. 

(Dubiously) Ye — es. I do trust we shall be able 
to avoid making many false statements. And es- 
pecially any that can be tested! 

83 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* study door 
heard to 
close. 

* Mrs. Wilmore 
crosses more 
L. Wilmore 
crosses more 

R. 



Mrs. W. 

If only the girl herself will say that Linnell is mis- 
taken ! ^ (Listening. ) Hush ! ^ 

(Linnell re-enters from back and comes c.) 

Mrs. W. 
How is the patient now? 

Lin. 
She's a little delirious. 

Mrs. W. 
Does she support your accusation? 

Lin. 
I've not questioned her further. 

Mrs. W. 

Then I must. {Attempting to go off at back.) 

Lin. 

She'll be passing through here on her way up-stairs. 
You can judge then whether you ought to put any 
painful questions to her to-night. 

Mrs. W. 

Of course, I won't distress her, poor thing! It's 
easy to see how your mistake arose. 

Lin. 
My mistake? 

Mrs. W. 

You told the girl's story to Lennard. He naturally 
expressed pity, and you misunderstood him 

Lin. 

(Very sternly.) Mrs. Wilmore, I have made no 
mistake, no misunderstanding. Please don't think 
I shall allow that suggestion to pass for one mo- 
ment. 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT 11 



Mrs. W. 

You seem determined to take up an attitude of 
antagonism ^ 



WiL. 

Yes, Linnell,^ you might at least listen to what we 
propose. 

Lin. 

Forgive me. What do you propose? 

WiL. 

That depends upon whether you wish to remain in 
Weybury, and work cordially with me for the wel- 
fare of the parish. 

Lin, 

Certainly I do. What has that to do with this? 

WiL. 

It's all part of the same general question. Come 
now ! Why not sink your own opinions on minor 
matters ? 

Lin. 

What are minor matters? This poor girl in the 
next room — your son's marriage with Miss Pluge- 
net — are they minor matters? 

WiL. 

Well, frankly, I own I have been too severe at 
times. For instance, William Sheldrake and Sarah 
Piper. If I were to leave them entirely in your 

hands 

Lin. 
And do you ? 

WiL. 

Yes, provided you take care my well-known prin- 
ciples don't suffer too much. You won't give me 
away, eh? 

85 



» Sits L. C 



* Advancing to 
Linnell. 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Lin. 

I've only one rule in these cases — the utmost con- 
demnation for the sin — the utmost mercy for the 
sinner. 

WiL. 

Well, that's my own rule, to a great extent. Now, 
can't we act on that rule all round? 

LiN. 

Tell me exactly what you mean. 

WiL. 

Mr. Daubeny is leaving Weybury 

Lin. 



Yes? 

Mrs. W. 

We should like to give you the living 

WiL. 

Four hundred and fifty a year, and the vicarage, 
if 

LiN. 

If? 

Mrs. W. 

If we could be assured of your co-operation in all 
things. 

WiL. 

On that distinct understanding, the living is yours. 
You accept it, of course? 



No. 

No? 



LiN. 

WiL. 

LiN. 



Not on the distinct understanding that you hire my 

86 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



hands and tongue to your service in the affair of 
this girl, 

WiL. 



What do you mean, sir? How dare you impute 
motives to me ? ^ 

Lin. 

I beg your pardon. Then you offer me the Hving 
quite independently of Miss Neve and your son? 



Of course we do. 



WiL. 



Lin. 



I accept it. Thank you with all my heart. 

WiL. 

At the same time, we must know — eh, Charlotte ? ^ 
Mrs. W. 

We must know whether you mean to repeat this 
accusation against Lennard, or whether you'll help 
us avoid a scandal. 

Lin. 

Certainly I'll help you avoid a scandal. Not one 
unnecessary word shall ever pass my lips. But Miss 
Plugenet ? 

Mrs. W. 

I know it's dreadful, but what can we do? 

Lin. 

Be absolutely frank and truthful with her. Let her 
decide whether she loves your son well enough to 
forgive him. In that case I won't say a word; ex- 
cept that I cannot marry them. 

Mrs. W. 
You cannot marry them? 

87 



Moving down 



* Mrs. Wilmore 
rises and ad- 
vances to 
Linnell, 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



I cannot. 



* Crosses up R. 
back. 



' Goes down r. 
again. 



Lin. 



Mrs. W. 



But if you refuse — she is suspicious .already — she'll 
guess — she'll break off 

WiL. 

You see, Charlotte, the man's impossible. (To 
LiNNELL.) I withdraw my offer of the living.^ 

Lin. 
I have already refused it — at your price. 

WiL. 

Price? Price? Really! I'm accused of bribery 
now ! Upon my word ! ^ 

Mrs. W. 

Hush ! We must know exactly what Mr. Linnell 
suspects about Lennard. 

Lin. 
I suspect nothing. I know. 

Mrs. W. 
What do you propose should be done? 

Lin. 

I can see only one thing clearly. You must tell 
Miss Plugenet. 

Mrs. W. 

I can't. It would be fatal. 

WiL. 

The worst of cruelty — to shatter a poor girl's hap- 
piness, just before her marriage. 

Lin. 

And this other poor girl — in there? 

88 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



Mrs. W. 
We'll do all we can for her. You surely don't wish 
to destroy my son's career? 

WiL. 

A fine young fellow like that! Anxious to serve 
his country in Parliament, or any other way ! ^ 
Come, Linnell, act up to your own principles ! The 
utmost mercy to the sinner, eh? Look over it! 
Youthful folly and impulse, eh? 

Mrs. W. 

Mr. Linnell, my son has made one great error. 
Don't ruin him for life. I'm ready to do anything 
for you and yours! We are absolutely in your 
hands! I beg you, I implore you — you have chil- 
dren of your own — if it were your own child ! Save 
my Lennard ! Please, save my boy ! 

Lin. 

Save him yourself! Save him by telling the truth! 
There's no other way! If I were to hush this up, 
mightn't I be doing him the greatest mischief, the 
greatest wrong? In a month he is to marry Miss 
Plugenet. Some months after that, this other girl 
will bear him a child! If it should all come 

out ! 

Mrs. W. 
It needn't ! It won't ! It shan't ! 

Lin. 

Sooner or later it must. Then Miss Plugenet is 
settling a great estate upon him. She gives him all 
— for what? For all his love and faithfulness! 
If you let him marry her, won't you really ciieat 
her? 



Cheat? 



WiL. 

89 



* Advancing a 
little. 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Lin. 
Cheat ! Did you catch the word ? ^ 

Mrs. W. 
But if Miss Plugenet knows, it means Lennard's 



* Wilmore 
backs indig- 
nantly to R., 
and moves 
up to fire- 
place. 



■ Crossing a 
little to- 
wards door. 



ruin. 



Lin. 



And what does this other mean? Think! They 
enter into their new home of marriage — your son 
and his bride — all bright, and sweet, and clean to 
live in, as she thinks. She goes a bride to her new 
home, and then one day she finds this carcass, this 
dead rat festering under the boards, putrefying 
there and poisoning all the home! You won't do 
it! You daren't! You daren't let your son do it! 
Save him from it! Save him by telling the truth! 

(Mrs. Wilmore turns from him with a gesture of 
angry and contemptuous impatience, tJien sub- 
dues herself.) 

Mrs. W. 

Is that all you have to say? 

Lin. 

resolute tone.) Miss Plugenet 



{Cold, resolute.) 



{The same cold, 
must be told. 

Mrs. W. 

I must see this girl.^ You say yourself she doesn't 
confirm this story? 

Lin. 

No, but your son does. 

Mrs. W. 

Indeed, he does not. 

Lin. 

He won't dare deny it. 

90 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



Mrs. W. 

He will, most emphatically.* 

Lin. 

One moment. Miss Plugenet is coming to me to- 
morrow morning-. 



Mrs. W. 

(Coming back.) What for? 

Lin. 

To ask me this question — whether I can con- 
scientiously advise her to marry your son. 

(Mrs. Wilmore is overwhelmed for the moment. 
Mrs. Linnell and Mrs. Blaney enter at the 
front door, and are seen to pass the window in 
passage. ) 

Mrs. W. 

(Recovering herself.) And you'll tell her this ab- 
surd story? 

Lin. 

No, you'll tell her yourself. 

Mrs. W. 

(Struck by the idea.) Yes, indeed, I shall.^ I 
shall certainly tell her; and warn her of this 
trumped-up accusation you're bringing against Len- 
nard. 

Lin. 

Trumped-up accusation ? ! 

(Mrs. Linnell appears at door.) 
Mrs. L. 

(Entering.^) Is anything the matter? I've just 
met Mrs. Blaney. 

(Mrs. Blaney appears at back.*) 
91 



• Crosses to 
door, about 
to open it. 



* Crosses to- 
wards Lin- 
nell, who is 
E. c. 



* Coming i- c. 



Vpo. 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Mrs. B. 

(Coming in.) I came across to see how this young 
person is, but if you're discussing anything pri- 
vate {Looking round suspiciously.) 

Mrs. W. 

Oh, no. Mr. Linnell has got another — what shall 
we say — another bee in his bonnet ! ^ 



* Mrs. Blaney 
crosses to r. 
back and 
dovm R. 



Crossing to 
Mrs. Linnell. 



• Linnell cross- 
es to her, she 
waves him 
aside, and 
crosses to Mr. 
Wilmore who 
is R. c. above 
arm-chair. 



What?! 
Edp-ar ! 



Lin. 
Mrs. L. 



Mrs. W.2 

Try to make him see how wrong and foolish he is, 
how cruel to you and your children. 

{Slie crosses passage, and enters study, closing door 
behind her.) 

Mrs. L. 

Edgar !^ Mr. Wilmore, what has my "husband 
done? 

WiL. 

I consented to look over our little differences, and 
I offered him the living. 

Lin. 

Ah, you offered it to me! What for? 

WiL. 

To extend your sphere of usefulness. 

Lin. 
You mean, to shut my lips \ 

WiL. 

(To Mrs. Linnell and Mrs. Blaney.) You see? 
instead of thanking me, he accuses me of cheating, 

92 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



and bribery, and he brings some utterly ridiculous 
charge against my son. 

Mrs. L. 



Edgar! {To Wilmore.) He doesn't mean it! 
I'm sure he doesn't! Edgar,^ if you have any love 
for me and your children 

Lin. 

{Very gentle, his hand upon her head.) If I have 
any love for you and my children 

Mrs. L. 

{Withdrawing from his caress.) Then ask Mr. 
Wilmore's pardon. 

Lin. 

Ask his pardon ? for speaking the truth ? 

(Mrs. Linnell turns away from him up to sofa.) 

Mrs. B. 

But what is this charge he brings against Mr. Len- 
nard Wilmore ? ^ 

{Re-enter Mrs. Wilmore from study, and across 
the passage.^ ) 

Mrs. W. 

Miss Neve is a little feverish, but I think she may 
be safely moved. The girl is putting on her things, 
and I'll take her to Gilminster myself. 

Lin. 

Miss Neve will not leave my house to-night. 

Mrs. W. 

Mr. Linnell, this young lady utterly denies the 
charge you have brought against her and Lennard. 
She has placed herself in my care, and I will be 
responsible for her from this time. 

93 



• Crosses to 
Linnell who 
is by L. c. 
chair. 



^ Wilmore 
looks at her 
significantly 
and crosses 
down right. 

* Coming dotpn 
K. c. 



ACT II 



THE HYPOCRITES 



• In doorway. 
Leaving 
Patty in 
doorway and 
coming into 
room. 



• Wlio has 
moved up r. 
c. 



Lin. 

(Very -firmly.) Miss Neve will not leave my house 
to-night, 

(Rachel, in outdoor clothes, supported by Patty, 
has entered across passage from study. She is 
excited, feverish, and a little delirious.) 

Racii. 

(To Mrs. Wilmore.) I'm ready.^ (To Lin- 
NELL.) Thank you for all your kindness, but I 
must go to Gilminster! You were quite mistaken! 
That letter wasn't to Mr. Wilmore. (To Mrs. 
Wilmore.-) I told him it was all his mistake. 

Mrs. W. 
Of course it was all his mistake. Are you ready? 

Rach. 

I never said a word about Mr. Wilmore — not a 
word. You believe me, don't you? ^ 

Mrs. W. 

Yes. Give her your arm, and help me take her to 
the station.^ 

Lin. 

Mrs. Wilmore, whatever happens, this lady will 
not leave my house to-night. Look ! How dare 
you ask it?! (To Rachel.) Take my arm. Mary, 
help me ! Mary, are you on my side, or will you go 
against me too ? 

Mrs. L. 

(Distracted.) Oh, I don't know what to do! 

Lin. 

Yes, you do know ! You've known me all these 
years. Have I ever asked you to do what wasn't 
right? Trust me! I'm in the right now. I'm on 
God's side, be sure. My wife, stand by me! 

94 



* She faints, 
Mrs. Wil- 
more sup- 
porting her. 



* Lennell cross- 
es up, mo- 
tions Patty 
off, closes 
door, gets 
chair, places 
it by Rachel 
arid helps her 
into it, stand- 
ing on her l. 
Mrs. Wil- 
more backs 
towards arm- 
chair. Mrs. 
Linnell 
comes dovni 
to behind l. c. 
chair. 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II 



Mrs. L. 



Oh, I must ! I will ! ^ 



Lin. 



Help me here. She must stay with us for the 
present. 

(Mrs. Linnell and Linnell support Rachel, 
and help her to the stairs,^ open the door and take 
her up.) 

WiL. 

Linnell, I can't allow this matter to rest. 

Lin. 

(Helping Rachel upstairs.) Stir it up then! Stir 
it up! 

WiL. 

Will you withdraw this monstrous charge against 
my son, and own your mistake ? 

Lin. 
(On the stairs.)'^ No, not for a bishopric! 

(Linnell and Mrs. Linnell are seen helping 
Rachel upstairs as the Curtain goes down.) 



* Crosses in 
front of Ra- 
chel to her R. 
and helps 
Linnell raise 
her ; as they 
move to- 
wards door. 



* Mrs. Linnell 
opens door, 
Mr. Wilmore 
is by arm- 
chair r. c. 
Mrs. Wil- 
more below 
it. 



' Start to go up 
stairs. Mrs. 
Linnell first, 
then Rachel, 
then Linnell. 



* Linnell on 
stairs in 
doorway — 
still support' 
ing Rachel, 
turns to WiU 
more. 



Act plays 85 
minutes. 



Ten days pass between Acts II and III. 



95 






^winwiilii^ 




eBBO^lOOJ 



■"o.P"!M 



ACT III. 

Scene: The library at the Manor House, Wey- 
biiry. A room in the same house, and in the 
same style of architecture as Act I. 

A door at back leading into passage. A door 
up left. A fireplace with fire burning down left. 
A windozu right, looking into garden. A sofa 
facing audience above the fireplace. A table be- 
low sofa and a little to the right of it. A table 
towards the right. A table up near the right cor- 
ner of room. The zvalls are mainly covered with 
bookshelves reaching up high, the books being 
mostly in good old leather binding, such as zvould 
remain in an English gentleman's library of the 
last century; there are a fezu modern books. On 
the table in the right corner are stacks of books. 
On the table helozv the sofa are pens, ink and 
paper. There are tJie usual library implements 
and belongings: a globe; an old Chippendale 
clock on the shelf of firepla-ce; a bust or two; one 
or tzvo old family portraits round the room, above 
the doors. 



Mrs. Wilmore enters, left, very quickly and ap- 
prehensively, looking back and beckoning to Mr. 
ViVEASH, who enters, cautiously closing the door 
behind him. Mrs. Wilmore's manner through- 
out the Act is restless, and betrays great strain 
and anxiety, except zvhen she is in the presence 
of others, and is nerving herself to efforts of self- 
control. 

Mrs. W. 

(Anxiously.'^) Well? Has she come? 

97 



• Turning to 
Viveash. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Vive. 

(Nods.) Just arrived at my office. I've boxed her 
up in my private room. 

Mrs. W. 
She accepts our offer ? 

Vive. 
I haven't spoken to her yet. 

Mrs. W. 

We must get it all settled before she meets Sir John. 
He's pressing to see her, and he wishes Linnell, and 
Lennard, and the Blaneys to be present. 

Vive. 

That's what I've come about. We're on very tick- 
lish ground. We must pick our steps very, very 
carefully. 

Mrs. W. 

Yes, but Lennard must be cleared, and this girl got 
out of the way. 

Vive. 

When did you see her last ? 

Mrs. W. 
Yesterday. 

Vive. 

At her lodgings in Gilminster? 

Mrs. W. 
Yes. I've been over nearly every day. 

Vive. 
Linnell hasn't seen her? 

Mrs. W. 

Not since Dr. Blaney and I took her away from his 
house, the morning after the upset there. 

98 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



You're sure ? 



Vive. 



Mrs. W. 



Quite. He went over, but Dr. Blaney and I left 
strict orders he was not to be admitted. 

Vive. 

Where is this meeting with Sir John to take place? 

Mrs. W. 

At your office — or better have it here. It will look 
as if we were not afraid. 

Vive. 
Yes, but Miss Plugenet? 

Mrs. W. 

Helen isn't with us now. When her father re- 
turned, she went home with him to the Court. 

Vive. 

Oh, yes, I'd forgotten. How's Miss Plugenet tak- 
ing it? 

Mrs. W. 

She feels it very keenly. She'd arranged to consult 
Linnell the next morning. I've had the greatest 
difficulty in keeping her away from him. Now she 
has left it entirely in her father's hands. Do let us 
get it over as soon as possible.-^ 

Vive. 

(Dubiously.) Ye — es.^ I must see my way clear. 

Mrs. W. 

You frighten me! ^ Isn't it clear? 

Vive. 

Quite, so far. (JVith a cunning look of undcrstand- 
standing.) You assure me that Lennard is inno- 
LOrC. 99 



* Mrs. W. up c. 
and turns as 
he speaks. 



* Taking a step 
to R. 



' Advancing to 
him, 
alarmed. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



cent, and that Linnell has made a silly mistake. I 
take your word, of course. The girl herself also 
declares that Lennard is innocent. You're sure 
she'll stick to that ? 

Mrs. W. 

Yes, I think. I've warned her it's the only chance 
of our providing for her and her child. You'd bet- 
ter warn her too. 

Vive. 

(Shakes his head.) No, I mustn't go behind her 
statement. 

Mrs. W. 

What do you mean? 

Vive. 

If the girl will stick to her story, I'm ready to go 
on. But before I come on the scene you'd better 
see her again, and put the final screw on her. 

Mrs. W. 

Very well. If you think it necessary. 

Vive. 

I do. She seems strange and bewildered. You're 
going to subject her to a tremendous ordeal. Sup- 
pose she were to break down before Sir John! 

Mrs. W. 

She mustn't ! She shan't ! ^ 

Vive. 

(Shakes his head dubiously.) We're hanging on 
her single word. If she fails us, she lets us into a 
horrible hole. 

Mrs. W. 

(Sits down wearily.^) I don't think I can stand 
this strain much longer. 

I GO 



I Crosses to r. 
c. 



* In R. c. chair. 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



Vive. 



Courage ! Courage ! ^ 



Mrs. W. 



You won't desert us? 

Vive. 

I'll go as far as I dare, professionally. Perhaps a 
little further."^ I'm in the same boat with you. If 
your mortgagees close, I shall find myself in a very 
tight place.^ 

(Enter at back Wilmore, a little excited.'^) 

WiL. 

Sir John has just driven over with Helen. Are 
you quite ready to see him? 

Mrs. W. 

(Rising, bracing herself.) Yes.^ 

(Enter Goodyer at back, announcing Sir John 
Plugenet. Enter Sir John Plugenet;^ a 
handsome, well-built, English gentleman of fifty, 
healthy, frank, genial, pleasant, strong, resolute. 
Exit GoODYER. 

Sir J. 
How d'ye do, Mrs. Wilmore?''' (Shaking hands.^) 

Mrs. W. 

My dear Sir John ! 

Sir J. 
How are you, Viveash ? ^ 

Vive. 
Capital, thanks. 

Mrs. W. 

I hope Helen isn't still fretting about this stupid 
mistake of Mr. Linnell's? 

lOI 



Advances tO' 
wards her. 



' Moves to c. 
again. 



' Ci-osses below 
L. table. 

* Remains up 



^ Wilmore 
moves to 
7iear sofa. 
Mrs. Wil- 
more rises. 

" Viveash 
crosses to 
fireplace. 



' Crossing to 
her. 

8 Mrs. Wil- 
more sits 
again. 



' Cros-tes to- 
wards L. c . 
chair. Wih 
more crosses 
to above R. 
table. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Sir J. 
She is worrying a little. 

Mrs. W. 
Oh, we shall easily put it right. 

Sir J. 
(Firmly) We must put it right. How's the girl? 

Mrs. W. 
Recovering slowly. 

Sir J. 

Still at Gilminster, I suppose? 

Mrs. W. 
No ; she came over to Weybury this morning. 

Sir J. 
She's in Weybury now? 

AIrs. W. 

Yes. As Lennard's name has been dragged in, I 
thought Mr, Viveash ought to see her, so she's now 
at his office. 

Sir J. 
What do you make of this business, Viveash ? ^ 

Vive. 



• Crosses to 
back of L. c. 
table. 



Our friend Linnell has been moonraking in dirty 
waters, and has fished up this bag of moonshine. 

Sir J. 

Rather dirty, foggy moonshine, eh? Well, we must 
dispel it. I'll come to your office, and see the girl 
myself. 

(Mr. and Mrs. Wilmore show alarm, which Sir 
John, who has turned to Viveash, does not 
see.) 

1 02 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



Vive. 

Yes — hadn't I better get all the threads together for 
you? 

Sir J. 

Threads? What do you mean? 

Viv^E. 
We may as well thrash this out thoroughly 

Sir J. 
(Firmly.) That's what I mean to do, 

Vive. 

I'll see Linnell, and the Blaneys, and the girl herself, 
and arrange a meeting, and let you know. 



Sir J. 
Why not this morning, now I'm in Weybury? 

Vive. 
By all means, if you wish it. 

Sir J. 

I do. The sooner we bring this parson to book, the 
better, eh, Mrs. Wilmore? 

Mrs. W. 

Oh, pray let us get this tiresome business over, and 
go on with the wedding. 

WiL. 

Certainly.^ Not that anyone who knows me 
would believe that a son of mine — still, I owe it to 
my position to silence this slander at the earliest 
moment. 

Vive. 

We'll silence it this morning. What time will suit 
you. Sir John? 

103 



> Wilmore 
crosses down 
R. to beloto 
table. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* Crosses hack 
to c. to Mrs. 
Wilmore. 



Sir J. 

(Looking at his zvatch.) I'm driving Helen across 
to the Oakleys. I can drop her, and be back here 
at twelve. 

Vive. 

Twelve. I'll have everything and everybody here 
ready for you. 

Sir J. 

Do. There's a good fellow ! ^ Extraordinary af- 
fair ! You say Lennard did know this girl in Scot- 
land? 

Mrs. W. 
Oh, yes. 

Sir J. 
What sort of terms were they on? 

Mrs. \V.2 

Sir John, if I tell you something in absolute con- 
fidence 

Sir J. 
You know you can trust me. 

Mrs. W.3 

There were two or three young fellows down there 
making this railway. One of them went to South 
Africa. When it became necessary for Miss Neve 
to know his present address, she naturally came to 
his old chum to find out. 



» Turning to- 
tvards him 
confidently. 



• Rises and 
moves to Sir 
John. 



I see. 



Sir J. 
Mrs. W. 



I had to drag this out of Lennard. He's a dear, 
loyal fellow. He'd rather lie under an unjust sus- 
picion himself than betray his chum. You under- 
stand ? 

104 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



Sir J. 
Ah, yes, 

Mrs. W. 

I may rely you'll never make use of this? 

Sir J. 
Of course not. Well,^ that partly explains — but^ 
why should this parson stick to his stupid blunder? 

Mrs. W. 
The man's a fanatic! 

WiL. 

A harebrained, cantankerous fanatic! Wants to 
dump down model public-houses all over the coun- 
try, and ruin the brewers. 

VlVE.^ 

Poor Linnell is a moral maniac, who will some day 
discover that the world is square, because he pro- 
fesses rectilinear principles. 

Mrs. W. 
Hush! 

{As Helen and Lennard enter at baek.^) 

Hel. 
(Goes affectionately to Mrs. Wilmore.) Good 
morning, dear. (Kissing her.) 

Mrs. W. 
How are you, dear? 

Hel. 

How d'ye do, Mr. Viveash? 

Vive. 
Good morning. 

Hel. 

You're talking about Mr. Linnell. I want you to 
give me back my promise, and let me see him. 

105 



* Moving to- 
wards L. 

' Stopping and 
turning to 
Mrs. Wil- 
more. 



* Viveash has 
come again 
below h. 
table. 



* Sir John 
moves to- 
wards sofa. 
Lennard 
comes to c. 
by him, and 
shakes hands 
with him. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Up c. 



* Crosses up to 
R. of Helen, 
in front of 
table, Mrs. 
Wilmore 
crosses 
round and 
up to win- 
dow. 



Mrs. W. 
My dear, you've left this entirely in your father's 
hands. If you see Mr. Linnell now, it will be going 
over to the enemy. 

Hel. 
I can't think of Mr. Linnell as an enemy. 

Sir J. 
Lennard, you see Nell is fretting. I needn't ask 
you 

Hel. 
(Goes very quickly to Lennard.^) No, you 
needn't ask him ! Len, I love you, and I will trust 
you. I do trust you, entirely! 

(Lennard takes her hand, kisses it warmly.) 

WiL. 

There's a noble girl for you ! ^ My dear Helen, I'm 
proud of you ! I feel my dear boy's happiness will 
be safe in your keeping. 

Hel. 
Don't let us speak another word of this hateful 
thing. But when my father has cleared it up, I 
want you all to be very kind to Mr. Linnell. He's 
not to be punished. 

WiL. 

I must say I hope his conscience won't spare him! 
Hel. 

Whatever mistake he has made, I'm sure he is act- 
ing honestly. 

Vive. 

That's a bad excuse for setting houses on fire ! 

Sir J. 

Now, Nell, I'll just drop you at the Oakleys. We 
must hurry on. {Looking at his zvatch.) 

1 06 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



* Crosses down 
and kisses 
her, Lennard 
opens door. 



Hel. 
Good-bye, Mrs. Wilmore.^ (Kissing her.) 

Mrs. W. 
Good-bye, dear. 

Hel. 
Good-bye, Mr. Wilmore. 

WiL. 

Good-bye, my daughter that is to be! 

(Shaking hands, is about to kiss her, but she makes 
as if she did not see it.) 

Hel. 
Come and put me in the dogcart, Len. 

(Exit at back, followed by Lennard.) 

WiL. 

What a noble girl, Plugenet ! What a noble girl ! 

Sir J. 
At twelve o'clock here, Viveash. 

Vive. 



At twelve o'clock. 



Au revoir. 



Sir J. 



(Exit Sir John at back. Wilmore closes the door 
after him.^ Wilmore, Mrs. Wilmore, and 
ViVEASH stand looking at each other. At length 
Viveash takes out his watch.) 

Vive. 

There's no time to waste.^ I'll call and tell the 
Blaneys to be here. They're safe? 

Mrs. W. 

Oh, yes, they're on our side.* 

107 



'And stands at 
it, tapping 
floor with his 
foot. 



* Viveash 
crosses up to 
door. Wil- 
more moves 
over to up l. 

* Moves R. c. 

towards 
Viveash. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



^ Moving to- 
wards Mrs. 
Wilmore. 



WiL. 

They ought to be. I got Blaney appointed pubhc 
vaccinator. 

Vive. 

{To Mrs. Wilmore.^) You'd better have one 
more dig at Linnell, and persuade him he's mis- 
taken, eh! 

WiL. 

He's an obstinate beast! In fact, as you very justly 
observed, Linnell's really a maniac. 

Vive. 

He's certainly guilty of the criminal lunacy of not 
knowing on which side his bread is buttered. 

WiL. 

If he won't listen to reason, what then? 
Mrs. W. 

Crush him ! Either my Lennard has to go down» 
or this man. If he won't retract, crush him ! Crush 
him ! Crush him ! 

Vive. 

I'll send him on to you. {Going up to hack.) 

WlL.2 

{Very anxiously.) Viveash, we shall pull through 
this? 

Vive. 

{Looks dubious, shrugs his shoulders.) It all de- 
pends on the girl. If you can't get her as tight as 
wax 

WiL. 

Well? 



* Crossing up 
to Viveash. 



Vive. 

Then, for heaven's sake, draw back, and pull your- 
selves out of it as best you can ! 

1 08 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



Mrs. W. 
We can't draw back now ! ^ 

WiL. 

It would be worse than telling the truth at first. 



Vive. 

I'll bring her along to you. Get her as tight as 

wax, or {Makes a significant gesture, and exit 

at back.) 

WiL. 

This is a nice position for a man with my honour- 
able record ! ^ Throughout my whole life, I've 
never had to do so much violence to my conscience. 

Mrs. W.-* 
Oh, strangle that conscience! 

WiL. 

Strangle my conscience ? ! Upon my word ! I don't 
believe women have any moral principles at all ! 

^Irs. W. 

We haven't ^ — when it comes to saving those we 
love. There's where we tower above you little 
creatures ! Now will you help me save Lennard ? 

WiL. 

I'm doing all I can. You must own all through 
these painful circumstances I've preserved a high 
moral tone to everybody 

Mrs. W. 

You overdo it.^ If you don't take care your moral 
principles will ruin us. 

WiL. 

Really, Charlotte! Upon my word! {He is going 
off at back, and turns?) That case of Sheldrake 

109 



• Moving down 
R. c. again. 



^ Moving l. 
again. 



' Crossing to 
Mrs. WiU 
more b. C. 



* Crossing to 
L. c. 



* Crossing up 
to hitn. 



* Moving about 
impatiently. 



' To Mrs. Wil- 
more, who is 
up L. C. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



and Sarah Piper has come up again. I'd better let 
him off, eh ? 

Mrs. W. 

No, you'd better preserve your high moral tone 
with him — at least till this is over! 

WiL. 

Very well. It will prove that I do act up to my 
principles as a general rule. 



Crossing to 
below R. 
table. 



» Turning to 
him. 



* Wilmore 
crosses to 
him. 



• Mrs. Wil- 
more cross- 
ing to Wil- 
more c. 



Mrs. W.i 

Yes ! We all act up to our principles when it costs 
us nothing! 

WiL. 

Upon my word, Charlotte ! I will not endure these 
constant insinuations that I am 



What? 2 



Mrs. W. 



WiL. 



That I am — a — no better than I should be ! 

(Lennard enters, sulky, dejected, self -contemptu- 
ous, tliroivs himself into a chair.^ Wilmore 
zvatches him ivith growing anger, and when Len- 
nard is seated,'^ bursts out furiously.) 

WiL. 

This is all your doing, sir! I bring you up in the 
strictest path ! I set before you an example that any 
son might be proud to copy, and instead of walking 
in my footsteps, you bring this hussy here 

Mrs. W.^ 

Will you cease? Will you cease? And remember 
that I knozu you! (Wilmore fires up and is about 
to speak.) I tell you, I know you! 

(Wilmore goes out at back, silenced and abashed.) 

no 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



Mrs. W. 
(Goes to Lennard.'^) OhLenlLen! (She bursts 



into tears.) 

Len. 

My poor darling I^ Don't cry! Mother, it's a 
thundering shame you've got to do this for mel 
What a cad I've been ! 

Mrs. W. 

Hush ! ^ Oh, Len, if I can only save you ! And I 
will! 

Len. 

I'm not worth saving! I'm only worth kicking! 
What a howling skunk I felt just now when Helen 
stuck by me ! 

Mrs. W. 

Don't talk like that ! ^ You've done no worse than 
others, only it has come to light ! Sir John is com- 
ing! You'll be questioned. — You'll say just what 
I've told you? 

Len. 

Yes, I've got it all ready .^ 

Mrs. W.« 
Remember, it's all your future! You won't fail? 

Len. 

No, I won't fail, dear. I can see what a plucky 
fight you're making, an dit's all for me! Well, I'm 
going to back you up. You make dead sure of that, 
you best mother that ever lived! Whatever comes 
of it, I'm going to back you up through thick and 
thin. (Giving her his hand.) 

Mrs. W. 

(Kissing him passionately.) 
We shall win, Len! We 



You're my own son! 
Now I'm 1 
shall win! 



Now I'm brave again ! 



1 Falls on her 
knees, by 
him, buries 
her face in 
her hands. 



' Putting his 
arm round 
her. 



* Looking up 
at him. 



* Rises and 
moves to C. 



' Rising and 
follotving. 

' Putting her 
hands on his 
shoulders. 



Ill 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* Lennard 
moves below 
L. c. chair. 
Mrs. Wil- 
more moires 
toward l. c. 
as Linnell 
comes R. c. 



■ Lennard 
crosses up L. 
c. Linnell 
puts his hand 
on his shoul- 
der and stops 
him as he is 
passing him. 
Mrs. Wil- 
more has 
moved below 
L. c. chair. 



Enter Goodyer, annoimcing Mr. Linnell.^ Enter 
Linnell, looking ill and more haggard than he- 
fore, but with a look of desperate determination 
on his face. 

Mrs. W. 



Good morning. 



Good morninpf. 



Lin. 



Len. 

Good morning, Linnell. 

Lin. 

Good morning. (To Mrs. Wilmore.) Mr. Vive- 
ash says you wish to see me? 

Mrs. W. 
Yes. Lennard, you needn't wait.^ 

Lin. 

{Stopping him.) Yes, please — one moment. You 
know I've no wish to discover your fault. I'd 
willingly bury it. But I can't bury the conse- 
quences. You can't bury the consequences. Come 
then, face them like a man. 

(Linnell has put his hand on Lennard's shoulder. 
Lennard tries to shuffle uneasily away from 
him.) 

Len. 

Upon my soul, Linnell, I don't understand a word 
of what you're talking about! 

{About to go off left, but Linnell, ivho has one 
hand on one shoulder, claps the other hand on 
the other shoulder, and turns Lennard round 
face to face with him.) 



( Very sternly. ) 



Lin. 
You don't understand ? 

112 



You 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



shall ! You've behaved like a scoundrel to one poor 
girl! You've wrecked her life, and you're leaving 
her to bear her shame and despair alone! You 
mean to behave like a scoundrel to another, who 
has given you all her love and faith, and all her 
estate ! And your mother is helping you ! 

Mrs. W. 
(Indignant.) Air. Linnell! 

Lin. 

(Repeats, looking fixedly at Mrs. Wilmore.) 
Your mother is helping you ! The mother loves 
her son, and she helps him build his house on this 
filthy bog of deceit ! You can't do it ! Your house 
will tumble on your heads ! When 1 meet Sir John 
Plugenet, I must tell him the truth ! I must show 
you a seducer! Don't force me to show you a 
coward and a liar into the bargain ! Do you under- 
stand me now? Have I spoken plainly? 

(Lennard has shozvn some uneasiness, hut he 
nerves himself, gets away from Linnell's grasp, 
and laughs at him contemptuously.) 

Len. 

My good Linnell, have you still got that bee in your 
bonnet ? 

(Exit left, with a contemptuous laugh at Linnell.) 

Lin. 

Then you take your stand upon your lie ? So be it ! 
I'll be here at twelve to meet Sir John Plugenet. 

(Going off at hack. Mrs. Wilmore has shoum 
impatience and rage at Linnell's words to 
Lennard, hut with a great eifort she controls 
herself, and speaks ivith outzvard calm, which, 
however, betrays suppressed anger and determi- 
nation.) 

113 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Mrs. W. 

Mr. Linnell ^ — one moment. (Linnell comes 
dowfi.^) As you seem determined to rake out this 



* Moving up l. 
c. towards 
him. 

« To her. c. 



mare's nest- 



LlN. 

Mare's nest?! 

Mrs. W. 

Perhaps we'd better leave metaphors, and look at 
the plain facts. 

Lin. 

Will you ? Dare you ? 

Mrs. W. 

There's no evidence to connect Lennard with this 
girl. You haven't one single particle of proof. 

Lin. 
Well? 

Mrs. W. 

Sir John and Miss Plugenet fully accept our ex- 
planation. You'll merely waste your time in trying 
to convince them. You'll only prove yourself a 
more obstinate and misguided fanatic than people 
already think you. 

Lin. 

People think me an obstinate and misguided 
fanatic? 

Mrs. W. 
Didn't you know it? 

Lin. 
No! How strange! And I thought myself just a 
plain, ordinary, honest man! 

Mrs. W. 
After this inquiry is ended, you will leave Weybury 
with the reputation of having started a malicious 

114 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



slander against one of your parishioners. Mr. 
Daubeny cannot possibly recommend you to another 
curacy. Your career will be ended. You will go 

down 

Lin. 

Let me go down! If the truth is to go down, let 
me go down with it ! I couldn't wish a better end ! 

Mrs. W. 

Ah ! You're seeking martyrdom ! I'm afraid you'll 
find it! What will become of your children? 

Lin. 

They will be catered for — like the sparrows. 

Mrs. W.^ 

Very much like the sparrows, I should say; with 
crumbs of charity, and what they can pick up on the 
roadside. Why won't you be sensible?" I offer 
you one last chance. If you refuse, think what your 
children's future must be! 

Lin. 

Beggary ! Beggary ! I know it ! But faith and 
truthfulness with it ! That's a good legacy after 
all ! You can't match it ! Just think what your 
child's future must be ! Lies ! Lies ! And nothing 
but lies ! You won't do it ! You'll draw back. I 
offer you one last chance. Come out of this refuge 

of lies 

Mrs. W. 



(Impatient and indignant.) 

simply useless to talk further. 

step or two and then conies hack to him.) You're 

determined to ruin Lennard? 



My good man, it's 
{She goes azvay a 



Lin. 

I think you're determined to ruin me. 
so? 

115 



Isn't that 



* Moving a 
little to- 
ivards l. c. 



' Moving up to 
him again. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Mrs. W. 

Yes ! If you drive me to it. And I shall be merci- 
less. Do you understand? 

Lin. 
I understand. 

Mrs. W. 

There is no more to be said.^ 



* Crosses to top 
of table. 
Linnell 
moires below 
R. c. table as 
Viveash 
enters to c. 



' Crossing to 
Linnell r. 



* Mrs. Wilmore 
raoves round 
to below table 
L., and then 
to mantel- 
piece^ lean- 
ing on same, 
burying her 
head in her 
hands. 



' Linnell cross- 
es up to door. 



■{Shrugs 



(Viveash enters?') 

Vive. 

You've finished with Mr. Linnell? 

Mrs. W. 

Quite. He persists in this story, and- 
hcr shoulders.) 

Vive. 

Nonsense.^ Come, Linnell, you're not so mad as 

to stick to 

Lin. 

I'm so mad as to stick to the truth. Take me on 
that level, please. 

(Viveash stands nonplussed for a moment, and 
exchanges a look with Mrs. Wilmore.) 

Vive. 

Very well.^ Sir John Plugenet has instructed me 
to collect all the particulars of this afifair. Would 
you mind making your statement to me ? 

Lin. 

Certainly. In writing? 

Vive. 

Oh, no. This little inquiry is quite informal. Sup- 
pose we have five minutes together in the garden,^ 
and see if we can throw some light on this plaguey 
business ? 

ii6 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



LlN> 

{Looking from one to the other.) 
for Mrs. Wilmore in this ? 



You're acting 



Yes. 



Vive. 



Lin. 



Is it light she wants? {To Mrs. Wilmore.) Is 
it Hght you want? Or dust and darkness? Ask 
her! 

{Exit at hack.^ Mrs. Wilmore and Viveash 
look at each other with some alarm.^) 

Vive. 
Confounded^ righteous, stiff-necked beggar! 
{Pointing off left.) The girl's in there. You must 
nail her! {Exit after Linnell.^) 

Mrs. W. 
{Goes to door left, opens it, and speaks off.) Will 
you come here, please? 

{Enter Rachel in out-of-door clothes. She is still 
looking pale and ill, her manner is frightened and 
subdued, and she limps a little.) 

Mrs. W. 
{Shakes hands.) Good morning, dear. 

Rach. 
Good morning,^ 

Mrs. W. 
Now, my dear. Sir John Plugenet will be here soon. 
He'll question you severely. You won't break 
down ? 

Rach. 
{Calmly.) No, I shan't break down. 

Mrs. W. 
{Looking at her searchingly.) You're quite sure 
you won't betray yourself? 

117 



* At door. 



* Closes door. 

' Mrs. Wil- 
more sUs in 
chair L. c. 



* Viveash com- 
ing c. to Mrs, 
Wilmore. 

6 Mrs. Wil- 
more stands 
c. deciding 
Iter line of 
action, then 
c rosses to 
door L. 



8 Crosses dotvn 
and stands 
R. o/l. c. 
chair. Mrs. 
Wilmore 
closes door 
and crosses 
donm to Ra- 
cheVs R. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* Rachel sits 

L. C. 



Rach. 
(Firmly) Quite sure.^ 

Mrs. W. 
Thank you, dear ! I can't tell how deeply I feel for 



* Rises and 
crosses to 
Mrs. Wil- 
more. 



you in all this. But it will soon be over now. 

Rach. 

(Seated at table, left.) If I do this, I may see Len- 
nard sometimes? 

Mrs. W. 

I'm afraid that's impossible. Mr. Viveash and I 
think it advisable you should not live in England. 

Rach. 

Then I shall never see Lennard again! Won't he 
wish ever to see me ? 

Mrs. W. 
It wouldn't be right. It wouldn't be wise. 

Rach. 

But won't he want to know what has become of 
me ? And I love him so ! I love him now more 
than ever ! Didn't he send me any message ? 

Mrs. W. 

He begs you to do this for his sake. 

Rach. 



He begs me? 
Yes. You will? 



Mrs. W. 



Rach. 

Yes, of course. But won't he wish to know what 
has become of — of his child? If I should die! 
Then it would grow up without a mother, and per- 
haps be cruelly treated, and have no one to teach 
it to do what is right. (With sudden passion.^) 

ii8 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



That would be dreadful! I know I've done wrong 
myself, but I want my child to do what is right! 
And — if I should die — wouldn't Lennard wish to 
see his child — never see his child ^ — never know 
how it is brought up 



Mrs. W.2 

If anything should happen to you, I promise you 
I'll look after the child myself. 

Rach. 
Yes — but Lennard — won't he care?^ Oh! 

(Mrs. Wilmore makes a gesture of despair^) 
Mrs. W. 

My dear, you must give up Lennard absolutely 
from this time, or you will expose and ruin him. 

Rach. 

(Quickly.) You know I wouldn't do that. I'll do 
whatever you wish. 

(ViVEASH re-enters, looking harassed and discon- 
certed.^ 

Mrs. W. 
(Goes to him.) Well? 

(ViVEASH shakes his head, and shrugs his shoul- 
ders, looks at Rachel, and then inquiringly at 
Mrs. Wilmore.^) 

Mrs. W. 

Miss Neve is quite ready to meet Sir John Plugenet. 
She says there isn't the least truth in Mr. Linnell's 
slander. She had only the slightest acquaintance 
with Lennard in Scotland.'^ Isn't that so, dear? 



Yes. 



Rach. 



119 



Breaking 
down. 



2 Mrs. Wil- 
more puts 
her hands on 
EacheVs 
shoulders. 



• Makes gesture 

of despair, 
and collapses 
in chair l. c. 
burying her 
face on table. 

* And crosses 

to top of 
table, lean- 
ing over it 
towards jBo- 
chel. 



^ Remains up 
c. 



« Viveash 
points to 
Rachel, 



* Crosses 
round to B. 
of Rachel 
again. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Vive. 

In that case, we can very soon settle the whole mat- 
ter.^ You'd better write a little note to Mrs. Wil- 
more putting that in so many words. Pens, ink 
and paper? Here we are! (Putting paper and ink 
in front of her, offering her a pen.) 



* Crosses to 
table, takes 
chair from 
above fire- 
place, and 
sits L. of 
table facing 
Bachel. 



' Also at Mrs. 
Wilmore. 



• Crossing to- 
wards her 
and putting 
her hand on 
her shoulder. 



What must I say? 



Rach. 



Vive. 



When you were in Scotland last spring, you became 
deeply attached to a gentleman — who promised you 
marriage? 



Yes. 



Rach. 



Vive. 



We needn't mention his name — call him Mr. X. 
That gentleman was not Mr. Lennard Wilmore? 
(Rachel looks at him,'^ hut does not speak.) 



Mrs. W. 



It was not my son?^ 



No. 



Rach. 



Vive. 
Begin your letter by saying that. 

Rach. 
But won't that be perjury? 

Vive. 

My dear young lady, you've just stated to Mrs. 
Wilmore and me that Mr. Lennard Wilmore was 
not — Mr. X. You also made that statement in the 
presence of Mrs. Blaney and Mrs. Linnell in Mr. 
Linnell's house. It will be perjury if you draw back 
now. 

1 20 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



Rach. 

I won't draw back. But you won't send me out 
of England — away from him? I can't go! {Break- 
ing dozvn, sobbing a little. ) 

Vive. 

Come! Come! We mustn't get tearful! Every- 
thing will be arranged for your comfort. 

Rach. 

{Looking from one to the other.) That means you 
will send me out of England. You'll let me see 
Lennard before I go? 

Vive. 

But you say Mr. Lennard Wilmore is the merest 
acquaintance. 

Rach. 

{Wildly.) You know, you know what he is to 
me! ^ 



(Mrs. Wilmore makes a gesture of despair to 

ViVEASH.) 

Mrs. W. 

Sir John will be here.^ Tell her nothing can be 
done for her unless Lennard is cleared from this. 

Rach. 

You needn't fear ! I shall clear him ! ^ But after- 
v/ards, I may see him once, just for a few minutes? 
Oh, do let me! I won't make a scene. Just once! 

(Viveash and Mrs. Wilmore look at each other. 
Mrs, Wilmore nods.) 

Vive. 

I see no harm in your having one short interview 
with Mr. Lennard Wilmore. 



Burying her 
face in her 
arms on the 
table. 



2 Crosses to 
head of table 
to Viveash. 



3 Mrs. Wil. 
more moves 
back to c. 
again. 



Oh, thank you 



Rach. 



121 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* Moving tip to 
above Ra- 
chel. 



Vive. 

At my office — with certain precautions. 

Rach. 

Thank you very much. {To Mrs. Wilmore.) 
Thank you. 

Vive. 

Come! Time presses! The letter! (Again push- 
ing paper towards her.) 

Rack. 

Tell me exactly what to say, and I'll say it. 

Mrs. W.i 

Mr. Viveash, can't you draft out something? 
(Signing to him.) 

Vive. 

I'd rather leave her quite free to make her own 
statement, in her own words. 

Mrs. W. 

I'll put it into her own words, and see that she 
copies it. (Signing to him.) 

Vive. 

Oh, very well. (Writes hurriedly.) I believe it 
has been arranged that a suitable provision shall be 
made for Miss Neve's future. Has any amount 
been named? 

Mrs. W. 
No. 

Vive. 

(Always writing.) To prevent any future mis- 
understanding it would be better to fix the exact 
amount. 

Mrs. W. 
My dear, what do you think ? 

122 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



Rach. 
{Hopeless.) I don't mind. It doesn't matter. 

Mrs. W. 
But please say. What sum yearly would make you 
quite happy and comfortable? 

Rach. 

Whatever you please. But I am to see Lennard — 
just once — before I go? 

{Enter GooDYER at hack, announcing Mr. Dau- 
BENY. Enter Daubeny. Exit Goodyer. 

Daub. 

Good morning, my very dear friend ! {Shaking 
hands with Mrs. Wilmore.^) 



Mrs. W. 



Good morning. 



Daub. 

{Bows very slightly to Rachel, zvho slightly re- 
turns it.) Good morning, Viveash, 

Vive. 
{Always writing.) Good morning. 

Daub. 

I met Sir John, and he asked me to — a — but — 
{glancing at Rachel) I'm intruding? 

Mrs. W. 

Mr. Viveash, would you rather finish that in the 
next room? 

Vive. 

{Writing.) I've just finished. 

Daub. 

You're sure? Because — {Glancing again at 
Rachel, who sits pale and self-absorbed.) Oh, 

123 



Upc. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



by the way, Mrs. Wilmore, my dear wife has just 
posted you an invitation for our dinner party. 
We've fixed it for the second. Are you free on 
that date? 

Mrs. W. 
Yes, I think. ^ 



* Her attention 

is divided be- 
tween Rachel 
and Dau- 
beny. 

^ Dauheny 
takes a step 
to R. and 
back to her 
again. 

* Rises and 

hands paper 
to Rachel. 

* Viveash sits 
again. 



Daub.^ 

Oh, you really must be free, there's a sweet lady! 
We're so anxious to get just exactly the right peo- 
ple, and to have everything go off well. 

VlVE.^ 

I think that is precisely the statement you wish to 
makcf Read it over.'* (Rachel reads over what 
Viveash has liritten.) 

Daub. 
{In a low aside to Mrs. Wilmore.) I suppose 
that is the young person ? 

Mrs. W. 
Yes. 

Daub. 

Poor soul ! Sir John insisted on my being present, 
but really in these tiresome, unpleasant affairs — Oh, 
yes — now whom would you like to take you in to 
dinner? The Bishop? 

Mrs. W. 
I don't care. 

Daub. 

Very well, I shall bestow you on the Bishop. 
Rather dry, our good Bishop, eh? He's a great 
Orientalist. I'll send you his brochure on the new 
gospel. 

Mrs. W. 
(Ahvays zvatching Viveash a^d Rachel.) New 
gospel ? What new gospel ? 

124 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



Daub. 
Haven't you heard? Somebody has just discovered 
a valuable new gospel, with quite new readings, in 
a Syrian monastery. Our good Bishop dabbles a 
great deal in apocryphal gospels. Now I take a 
more practical view of Christianity. 

(ViVEASH has been conferring zvith Rachel upon 
the paper he has zvritten. Mrs. Wilmore has 
been keenly watching.) 

Vive. 
(Rising.) Is that right? 

Rach. 
Yes. 

Vive. 
Mrs. Wilmore, if you please. 

(Mrs. Wilmore goes ^ to Viveash, and Viveash 
just shozvs her the paper, and zvhispers instruc- 
tions, pointing to the other room. Rachel sits 
pale and distracted.) 

{Enter Goodyer at back, announcing, " Doctor 
and Mrs. Blaney." Enter Dr. and Mrs. 
Blaney. Exit Goodyer.) 

Mrs. B. 

Good morning, Mrs. Wilmore. 

Mrs. W. 
How d'ye do? (Shaking hands.) 

Mrs. B. 
How d'ye do,^ Mr. Daubeny? 

Daub. 
How d'ye do, my dear friend? 

(Blaney has meantime shaken hands zinth Mrs. 
Wilmore, and nodded to Viveash, zvho has nod- 
ded in return.) 

125 



• To Viveash 
above table. 
Daubeny 
moves to- 
wards R. 
table. 



^ Crosses to- 
wards R. C 
table. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Bluney cross, 
es ui back 
and down r. 



' Viveash 
opens door. 



* Mrs. Blaney 
crosses to l. 
looking off at 
door. Then 
cro.sses back 
to c. Vive- 
ash follows 
to her L. 



• Viveash 
crosses at 
back to above 
table R. 



Dr. B. 

(To Rachel, very coldly.) 
self so far recovered? 

Rach. 



I trust you find your- 



Yes, thank you.^ 

Mrs. B. 

(Looking at Rachel.) Mr. Viveash asked us to 
meet Sir John. Perhaps we're too early? We 
might wait in another room. 

Mrs. W. 

Oh, no. Please sit down. (Going to door, left.) 
Miss Neve, will you please come this way ? ^ 

(Rachel limps quickly across the room, ashamed, 
zvith eyes cast dozvn, and goes off, left, Mrs. 
Blaney watching her fiercely all the time.) 

Mrs. W. 
I'll be back in a few minutes. (Exit, left.^) 

Mrs. B. 

I was quite right about that girl. Have you ever 
noticed, Mr. Daubeny, how that class of person 
always avoids meeting the glance of a truly good 
woman ? ■* 

Daub. 
Do they now? I've not observed 

Mrs. B. 

Yes. The doctor's profession bringing him con- 
stantly into contact with undesirable persons, I have 
felt it my duty to share his labours 

Daub. 

Very charming of you ! Quite charming ! I'm sure 

our dear friend appreciates 

126 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



Dr. B. 

(StiflJy.) Mrs. Blaney is an admirable helpmeet in 
many respects. 

Mrs. B. 

And having no home ties of my own 

Dr. B. 

(Annoyed.) Yes, yes, my dear 

Mrs. B. 



I have been able to devote myself entirely to the 
interests of public morality, whereas if Providence 
had smiled on our union 

Dr. B. 
We needn't pursue the subject. 

Mrs. B. 
No, but if Providence had seen fit 



Dr. B. 

My dear Matilda, nothing is to be gained by repin- 
ing. 

Mrs. B. 

I'm not repining, but while persons like this draw- 
ing-mistress are allowed to flaunt their delin- 
quencies 

Daub. 

Very true ! Ah, yes ! Very true ! By the way, my 
dear friend,^ (to Viveash) now we're all alone, 
and all good neighbours, I hope our young friend 
Lennard hasn't got himself into a very bad 
mess 

Vive. 
Oh no ! 

Daub. 

Because we don't want any washing of dirty linen, 
do we? It's so bad for society, gives such a handle 

127 



1 Crosses to 
above R. 
table. Vive- 
ash comes 
down on his 
R. Mrs. Bla- 
ney advances 
nearer to 
table. Bla- 
ney is on B. 
of table. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



to the lower classes, and in these democratic days 
— now, do tell me, there isn't going to be a scandal ? 
(Anxiously.) 

Vive. 
Oh no ! Oh no ! 

Daub. 

Because I've just sent out the invitations for my 
first dinner-party in Gilminster, and I've asked the 
Wilmores and Sir John Plugenet. And if there is 
to be an exposure — really I don't know what I 
should do. 

Vive. 

You needn't be alarmed. We shall bring Lennard 
off with flying colours. 

Daub. 

I'm delighted ! Sir John seems bent on fishing 
things out. You'll be able to satisfy him, eh? 

Vive. 

Well, the girl herself declares that Linnell is abso- 
lutely mistaken. 

Daub. 

She does? 

Vive. 

Of course, if it comes to a question of hard swear- 
ing, and Linnell says one thing and we say another, 
then I hope Mrs. Wilmore may rely that her old 
friends will rally round her, and see that her version 
is believed. 

Daub. 

Of course we shall ! Linnell came to me with a long 
rigmarole about a letter that the girl had written ta 

Lennard 

Mrs. B. 

Yes, quite between ourselves, while I was waiting- 

128 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



for the Doctor that night, this young person's things 
were on the table, and a letter had fallen out of her 

bag 

Dr. B. 

(IVarningly.) My dear! 

Vive. 

(Quickly) Did you see the contents? 

Mrs. B. 

Of course not ! But, as it was lying open I couldn't 
help catching sight of the word " shame," and 

Dr. B. 

My dear, I think you must be mistaken. 

Vive. 

Do you intend to say anything about this letter? 

(Dr. Blaney makes her an authoritative gesture to 
say " No.") 

Mrs. B. 
Oh no ! I shouldn't dream of mentioning it ! ^ 

(Re-enter Mrs. Wilmore zuith a letter in her 
hand.^ ) 

Mrs. W. 

(To ViVEASH.) Will you please see what Miss 
Neve has written? (Giving him letter.) It's past 
twelve.^ Sir John ought to be here. 

Vive. 

(N'odding.) Couldn't be better! I'll take care of 

it, shall I ? 4 

(Enter Wilmore at back.) 

WiL. 

How d'ye do, Daubeny? (Shaking hands.) 

129 



* Crosses to 
Blaney. 
They have a 
few words in 
dumb show, 
Mrs. Blaney 
angrily 
crosses and 
sits L. of R. 
table. 

• Crosses to C. 

Viveash 
meets her 
there. 

8 Crosses down 
and sits h. C. 



* Crosses to top 
of table. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



• Half rising 
and bowing. 



Daub. 

Good morning, my dear friend. 

WiL. 

Mrs. Blaney, how are you ? 

Mrs. B.i 
How d'ye do? 

WiL. 

Ah, Blaney! We meet under very strange circum- 
stances! That a son of mine should be accused 
of — ! And this upstart surate! I hope, Daubeny, 
that when he leaves Weybury you'll take care he 
doesn't annoy us any further? 

Daub. 

Yes. It's a little difficult to know what to do with 
him. What do you propose ? 

WiL. 

I hope he will have the grace to disappear entirely ! 
That is my invariable attitude towards any scoun- 
drel who crosses my path — " Disappear! Clear out 
of my way! Don't force me to take any further 
notice of you ! " ^ 



• Crosses to be- 
low sofa L. 



Daub. 



An admirable rule ! 



• Comes c. 



(Enter Goodyer at back, sJiozving in Sir John 
Plugenet, Exit Goodyer.) 

Sir J. 
Fm a little late.^ How do, Blaney? 

Dr. B. 
How are you, Sir John ? 

Sir J. 

How are you? {To Mrs. Blaney.)' 

130 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



Mrs. B.i 
Good morning, Sir John. 

Sir J. 
(Looking round.) Mr. Linnell is not here? 

WiL. 

Yes, I had him shown into another room until such 
time as we required him. (Rings bell.) 

Sir J. 
We must have Lennard too. 

WiL. 

Lennard is only too anxious to face his traducer.^ 
(GooDYER appears at door at back.) 

WiL. 

Ask Mr. Lennard and Mr. Linnell to come here. 

(Exit GoODYER.) 

Sir J. 
And Miss Neve herself? 

Vive. 
In the next room. 

Mrs. W. 
She's ready to come in at any moment, but I'm 
sure you'd wish to spare her as far as possible. 

Sir J. 

Certainly. 

VlVE.^ 

Meantime, there is Miss Neve's own statement in 
her own words. Just cast your eye over that. 
(Giving him the letter Mrs. Wilmore has brought 
in.) 

(Enter Lennard at back. Throughout the scene 
he assumes a careless, confident manner, but at 
moments he betrays intense anxiety and ex- 
changes furtive looks zvith his mother.) 
131 



* Rises and 
bows and 
sits again. 



2 Crosses doton 



' Crosses to Sir 
John. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Len. 
How are you? (To Daubeny.) 

Daub. 
Good morning, my dear young friend. (SJiaking 
hands. ) 

Len. 
How d'ye do, Mrs. Blaney ? 

Mrs. B. 
How d'ye do? 

Len. 

Good morning, Blaney. 

Sir J. 
{Having read the letter.) But this is positively 
conclusive. 

Vive. 
I thought you'd say so. 

Sir J. 
What can Mr. Linnell say to this? ^ 

{Enter Goodyer at hack, announcing " Mr. Lin- 
nell." Enter Linnell. Exit Goodyer. Lin- 
nell bozus as he comes in. Sir John, poisoned 
against him by the Wilmores and Viveash, re- 
gards him zmth evident distrust and coldness.) 

Mrs. W. 
{Introducing.) Mr. Linnell — Sir John Plugenet. 

LlN.2 

Good morning, Sir John. 

Sir J. 

{Very coldly.) Good morning, sir. 

Vive. 
We may as well come to business at once. Will 
you be seated ? ^ 

132 



1 Putting state- 
ment in 
pocket. Vive- 
ash crosses 
back to head 
of table, and 
places chair 
from up L. 
back at top 
of table for 
Sir John. 

' Coming to c. 
on Sir John's 



' Wilmore sits 
doirn L. Vive- 
ash L. of Ii. 
table as be- 
fore. Sir 
John at head 
of table. Mrs. 
Wilmore is 
already seat- 
ed R. of same, 
Linnell re- 
mains stand- 
ing up c, 
Daubeny sits 
in arm-chair 
up R. back c. 
Le7inard 
crosses and 
stands on his 
R. Mrs. Bla- 
ney is al- 
ready seated 
L. of R. table. 
Blaney sits 
down B. 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



(Daubeny, Mrs. Wilmore, Mrs. Blaney, Dr. 
Blaney sit. ViVEASH scats himself, and makes 
notes all the while.) 

Vive. 

Mr. Linnell, I must ask you formally to withdraw 
certain damaging statements you have made regard- 
ing Mr. Lennard Wilmore and Miss Neve. 

WiL. 

And apologize! (A pause.) 

Sir J. 
(Sternly to Linnell.) What have you to say, sir? 

Lin. 

(Glancing round him.) Nothing. 

Sir J. 

What?! You mal<:e this dreadful accusation, and 
then you run away from it? 

Lin. 
I'm not running away. I'm here. 

Sir J. 

But you've repeated this slander? 

Lin. 

Not to a single person since that night. 

WiL. 

But it's all over the town! 

Lin. 

Not through any word of mine. I've no wish to re- 
peat this story even now — unless you force me. 

Sir J. 

Perhaps, sir, but before you leave this room you 
must either repeat it, or withdraw it absolutely. | 

133 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* Turning to 
Lennard. 



Lin. 

If you please. Through an accident I became aware 
of Mr. Lennard Wihnore's fault. I urged him to 
own the truth to you.^ I urge him still, I entreat 
him, with all 

Vive. 

(Dry, hard.) Mr. Linnell, please reserve your 
sentimental appeals for the pulpit. Sir John wants 
to get at the facts. 

LiN. 

I'll give them to him. 

Sir J. 
(Cold, distrustful.) I shall be obliged. 

LlN.2 



• Coming down 
c. 



While Miss Neve w^as in my house, a letter she had 

it was ad- 
It spoke of 



written tumbled on the floor. Thinking it was ad 
dressed to myself, I began to read it. 
the writer's shame and distress 



WiL. 

But what reason had you for connecting the writer's 
shame and distress with Mr. Lennard Wilmore? 

Lin. 

It said " I shall call on your mother this afternoon, 

and " 

Vive. 

But, you may have observed, other people besides 
Mr. Lennard Wilmore have mothers. 

Lin. 

Yes, it is customary. (Advancing a little tozvards 
Mrs. Wilmore.) Mothers who bring their sons 

up to love the truth and hate lies 

134 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



Sir J.^ 

What? Mr. Linnell! You accuse a lady in Mrs. 
Wilmore's position!^ — Viveash, I shall lose my 
patience. 

VlVE.^ 

Keep calm, Sir John! We shall soon explode this 
bag of moonshine.^ {To Linnell.) You're sure 
this letter didn't read, " I'll call on your grand- 
mother? " 

Lin. 

No — the girl didn't mock at her agony. Do you? 

Vive. 

What became of this letter? 



Miss Neve burnt it. 



Lin. 



Vive. 



That's a pity. Mrs. Wilmore, will you please ask 
Miss Neve whether the letter Mr. Linnell picked up 
that night was written to your son, and whether it 
contained any reference whatever to you, or to 
him? (Mrs. Wilmore.^) 

Lin. 

Why ask her? You know she'll say " No." 

Mrs. W. 

Surely Miss Neve must know to whom she wrote 
that letter. {Exit Mrs. Wilmore, left.^) 

VlVE.^ 

Have you any other evidence against Mr. Len- 
nard Wilmore? 



Yes, his own word.® 



Lin. 



I3S 



* Sir John 
rises. 

' Crosses up to 
R. end of 

sofa. 



* Rises and 
puts his and 
Sir John's 
chair under 
table. 

* Leaning over 

back of 
chair. 



" Rises. 



• Lennard hcts 
crossed, 
opened door 
for her, and 
stands look- 
ing after her, 

' Crosses to 
above L. C 
chair. 

* Sir John 
crosses to L. 
of Daubeny. 
Lennard 
comes down 
L. to below 
table. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



' Moving a step 
or two to- 
wards L. 



' Rises, crosses 
and stands 
v-ith back to 
fireplace. 



» Mrs. Tr,7- 
more enters 
from L. a?)d 
comes to be- 
low sofa. 



My word? 



Len. 



Lin. 



You owned to me ^ you had betrayed this girl under 
a promise of marriage; and you begged me to hide 

it! 

Len. 

What? I asked you what bee you'd got in your 
bonnet ! 

WiL. 

A bee in his bonnet! Now that to me exactly de- 
scribes the situation. 

Daub. 

A very happy phrase ! A bee in his bonnet ! ( Tap- 
ping his stomach.) 

Vive. 

I suppose what really happened, Lennard, was this 
— Mr. Linnell told you this poor girl's story; you 
pitied her, and then he muddled up 

Lin. 

(Sternly.) Please don't put his lie into his mouth! 
He has it pat enough! 

WlL.2 

Lie! We're using very pretty language now! 

Mrs. B. 
And in the presence of ladies! ^ 

Dr. B. 
Violent language is generally associated with a bad 



case. 



Lin. 



Yes, and sometimes with a good case, too! 

136 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



Sir ]} 
Lennard, my boy,^ you are to take my name, and 
be my son. Tell me — Is there any truth in what 
Mr, Linnell says? 

Len. 

(Catches sight of his mother's anxious face, and, 
after the faintest faltering, says Urnily. ) No, not the 
least. 

Sir J. 
You did not confess you had betrayed this girl? 

Len. 
{Quite firmly.) No, Sir John. (Mrs. Wilmore 
shows immense relief.) 

Sir J. 
{Relieved. SJiakcs his hand cordially.') I believe 
you. And now, tell this man to his face that he is 

mistaken. He'll know what that means. 

(Mrs. Wilmore shon's anxiety.) 

Len. 
{Steps firmly to Linnell and says fiercely.) Mr. 
Linnell, you are mistaken ! 

(Mrs. Wilmore sliozvs great relief. Linnell 
Hanies zvith resenfnioit, is about to reply, but 
stops and stares round, grozving bczvildercd, and 
beginning to realice the hopelessness of his posi- 
tion; at length drops into chair, ^ and buries his 
face in hands on table.) 

Mrs. W. 
{Comes forzvard.) Miss Neve says most positively 
that the letter Mr. Linnell picked up was not written 
to Lennard, and had no reference to him or to me. 

Sir J. 
{To Linnell.) You hear that Miss Neve 
denies 

137 



* Crosses down 
R. c. 

' Lennard 
crosses to 
him. Mrs. 
Wilmore 
crosses to l. 
of Danbeny. 



' R. of L. table. 
Sir John 
moves up a 
step or two. 
Lennard 
turns to Mrs. 
Wilmore. 
ivho hascom.e 
a little doivn 
c. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Lin. 

Oh, yes, she denies. They all deny ! And Mr. and 
Mrs. Wilmore! Let them deny too! If you please, 
both of you, deny, deny, deny ! 

WiL. 

So we're to be dragged into it! So we knew 

Lin. 



* Dr. Blaney 
rises and 
moves up r. 
a little. 



• Coming a 
little nearer 
hiin. Len- 
nard moving 
a little up c. 



• Rises and 
crosses round 
to Blaney. 
They move 
up R. and 
Daubeny 
joins them. 



( To WiLMORE. ) Aye, you knew ! For you offered 
me the living to hold my tongue ! ( To Mrs. Wil- 
more.) And you — you begged me with tears to 
save your boy. Well, I've done my best to save 
him ! You must go your way and ruin him ! Go 
on and ruin him ! ^ 

Sir J. 

(Struck by the sincerity of Linnell's utterance.) 
Wilmore — Mrs. Wilmore, surely you didn't beg 
Mr. Linnell to 

Mrs. W.2 

My dear Sir John, when we got there, we found 
Mr. Linnell in an excited state — with this bee in 
his bonnet — his own wife implored him to with- 
draw his silly statement. Mrs. Blaney, you remem- 
ber? 

Mrs. B. 

Oh, yes. Poor Mrs. Linnell said she was sure he 
didn't mean it, and told him to beg Mr. Wilmore's 
pordon.^ 

(Linnell is overwhelmed. Sir John looks at 
ViVEASH, who shrugs his shoulders contemptu- 
ously. ) 

Vive. 

Have you any further evidence to offer us? 
(Linnell, growing more and more bewildered, 
shakes his head.) 
138 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



Vive. 

Sir John, will you please show him Miss Neve's 
letter to Mrs. Wilmore. 

Sir J. 

Ah, yes ! ^ (Bringing out the letter which Viveash 
has given him.) Please read that. 



To what end? 



l^IN. 



Sir J. 



Please read it. (Linnell takes the letter, and looks 
at it mechanically, not trying to understand it.) 
You see, the girl herself declares Mr. Lennard Wil- 
more is nothing to her. 

Lin. 

She knows! She knows! 

Vive. 
I'm glad you admit she knows.^ 

Sir J. 

"Well, what have you to say ? 

Lin. 
Nothing. (Giving back the letter.) 

Sir J. 

Nothing, sir? Nothing? 

LlN.^ 

(Suddenly.) Yes! Please bring Miss Neve 
here 

Mrs. W. 

(Alarmed.) Sir John, you shall see Miss Neve and 
question her yourself, but Dr. Blaney will say if she 

is in a fit state 

139 



' Crosses to 
Linnell. Mrs. 
Wilmore 
crosses down 
to his R. 
Lennard 
crosses to 
above R. C. 
chair. 



' Leaning 
over Lin- 
nell's chair. 



» A pause- 
then sud- 
denly rising. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



' Coming down 
R. again. 



* Lennard 
crosses down 
to below R. 
table. Bla- 
ney has 
moved up R. 
to Mrs. Bla- 
ney and 
Duubeny 
again. Sir 
John crosses 
R. c. Vive- 
ash crosses to 
Wilmore at 
fire, sjjeuks 
to him for a 
moment, then 
crosses at 
back of table 
to Sir John c. 

* Then, looking 
at Linnell. 

* Linnell cross- 
es up and 
stands at 
back by door. 

* Viveash 
moves lip 

back. 



Dr. B.i 

I must certainly forbid any violent or distressing 
scenes. It would be highly dangerous to my 
patient. 

Lin, 

Then why is she here, if not to get at the truth? 
Sir John, for the sake of your daughter's happiness, 
I demand to ask Miss Neve one question in the pres- 
ence of your future son-in-law. 

Vive. 
Surely Miss Neve's statement is sufficiently explicit. 

Lin. 
I demand to put them face to face. 

Sir J. 

Mrs. Wilmore, I think we might ask Miss Neve 
to please step here for a moment. 

Mrs. W. 
If you wish. 

(She just glances at Viveash, who just signs 
assent. ) 



I do. 



I'll fetch her. 



Sir J. 
Mrs. W. 



(Mrs. Wilmore goes off left, leaving the door 
open?') 

Vive. 

{To Sir John.) Sir John, you'll take care Miss 
Neve is not frightened ^ or brow-beaten ? ^ 

Sir J. 

We will treat her with every consideration.' 

140 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



Mrs. W. 

(Appears at door, left, looking off.) 
please ^ 



If you 



(Rachel enters very slozvly, limping a little, with 
calm, set, determined face, and downcast eyes. 
She just raises them to meet Lennard's glance 
for an instant.^) 



Mrs. W. 

This is Sir John Pkigenet — Miss Neve. 
John and Rachel hozv slightly.^) 

Lin, 



(Sir 



Good morning, Miss Neve.^ {He holds out Jiis 
hand. ) 

Rach. 
Good morning. 

(SJie just looks at him, does not give her hand at 
first, bnt as he holds his out, at length she gives 
hers. He takes it, holds it, and leads her towards 
Lennard.^) 

Lin. 

{To Lennard.) Will you please look at this lady? 

Vive. 
What now ? 

Lin. 

{To Rachel.) Will you please look at Mr. Wil- 
more? I charge you both, as you will answer at 
that dreadful day when the secrets of all hearts shall 
be disclosed 

(Lennard draws back a little. Rachel also shows 
a very slight sign of faltering, which she in- 
stantly controls.) 

Vive. 

{Very firmly.) Sir John, I must protest against 

141 



' Comes to up 



* She comes to 
L, of table L. 



' Rachel comes 
down L. to 
below table. 



* Crossing 
dotvn to be- 
low L. table. 
Mrs. Wil- 
viore crosses 
to above r. 
table. Vive- 
ash comes to 
above L. C. 
chair. 



" R. Linnell 
standing l. 
of R. c. chair, 
between Ba- 
chel and 
Lennard. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES ^^' 



this paltry theatrical appeal ! Miss Neve has 
scarcely recovered from her illness 



* Holding up 
his hand to 
stop him. 



* Advancing a 
little. 



• Linnell 
looks at Sir 
John. Then 
from Len- 
■nurd to Ra- 
chel. Tlien 
hopcles.'ily 
fiac/.-.s np to 
bark c. Ea- 
chel s'lipports 
herself on 
chair. Sir 
John taM s a 
step towi rds 
her. 



If you please, Mr. Viveash! Let me put them to 
their oath. 

VlVE.2 

Doctor Blaney ! Sir John ! 
Sir J. 

Mr. Linnell, will you please stand aside? If you 
please, sir, I'll question Miss Neve myself.^ (To 
Rachel, very kindly.) I'm deeply grieved to 
trouble you. You know my daughter is to be mar- 
ried to this gentleman? 

Rach. 
Yes. 

Sir J. 

Please forgive my asking. Has he ever been more 
to you than an acquaintance? 

Rach. 

No. 

Sir J. 
Has he ever spoken to you any word of love? 

Rach. 
No. 

Sir J. 
Have you the least claim upon him as a lover? 

Rach. 
No. 

Sir J. 

That is your solemn word — your solemn oath, in 
the presence of Heaven? You have no claim what- 
ever upon Mr. Lennard Wilmore? 

142 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT III 



Rach. 

(Quite Urmly, and then looking at Sir John.) 
none whatever ! 



No, 



Sir J. 



Thank you for having spoken out so plainly. That 
sets the question at rest forever.^ 

(Rachel has anszvered quite firmly and steadfastly 
throughout , but at the end she drops back into 
a chair a little exhausted. 

Sir J.2 
It has been too much for you? 

Rach. 
No — no — please don't trouble. 

Sir J. 

(Turns to Linnell.) Mr. Linnell, I daren't trust 
myself to speak to you ! You, a clergyman, 
v^hose first care it should be to hush all slander 
and evil speaking 

WiL. 

Leave this house, sir ! ' 

(Linnell, bewildered, dazed, looks round, goes up 
to door at back, dazed.) 

Mrs. W. 

{As he passes her.) I told you how this would 
end. 

Lin. 

(Suddenly turns at door.^) It's not ended! Sir 
John, tell your daughter to look ! There's a rat 
under the floor of her new home! (Szveeping his 
hand round to Wilmore, Mrs. Wilmore, and 
Lennard.^) You know it, all of you! You liars! 
You hypocrites! You time-servers! Damned 

143 



» Takes a step 
to c. 



Quickly turn- 
ing to Ra- 
chel. Lin- 
nell crosses 
doten c, 
irntching her 
anxiously 
Mrs. Wil- 
more moves 
tip to back c. 
chair. 



' Sir John 
moves to 
above Ra- 
chel. 



* Crosses to 
nim and 
catching hold 
of him, ex- 
citedly. 



* Backing up 
to door. 



ACT III 



THE HYPOCRITES 



* Coming down 
L. c. and 
pointing to 
Wilmore. 



' Up back c. 
Lennard has 
come round 
back of R. 
table, threat- 
ening!;/ to 
Linneil. Ra- 
chel after 
rising has 
made for the 
door but 
staggers 
when she is C. 
Lennard, 
who is just 
behind Iter, 
instinctively 
catches her 
and holds her 
facing him. 

' Mrs. Wil- 
more comes 
down to be- 
hind R. c. 
chair. Sir 
John comes 
down R. c. 
Viveash 
comes to be- 
low sofa. 

* Viveash 
throws him- 
self on sofa. 
Wilmore 
crosses beloiv 
table. 

* Lennard 

turning to 
Sir John. 



® To Linneil, 
who has 
come down 
L. c. 

* Buries his 
face in his 
hands. 



Act plays 44 
minutes. 



time-servers ! ' You know it ! You know the rat's 
festering under the floor! (Coming down to 
Rachel.) You know it too! Ah! You know 
it 

(Rachel starts up frightened and staggers. Vive- 
ash and Sir John ptdl Linnell azvay.^) 

Rach. 

(Struggling to get free.) No! No! Not youl 
Don't — don't touch me ! They'll think — Oh, let me 
go! 3 

Len. 

(Clasping her fiercely, kissing her.) Rachel! Oh, 
what a hound ! What a cur I've been ! Rachel ! 
Rachel, forgive me!'* (She revives, struggles free 
from him, and goes off left.)^ Sir John, I'm a 
scoundrel ! I daren't face Miss Plugenet, but ask 

her 

Sir J. 

(Turns azvay from him with an angry gesture.) 
Mrs. Wilmore, you knew this! And you lied to 
me and fooled me! 

Mrs. W. 

What have you done, Len? 

Len.^ 

Linneil, I beg your pardon. I've behaved like 

a "^ 

Lin. 

That's past! Look up! Look up, my friend! 
You've cleared yourself ! You've owned your 
fault! You're a free man from this hour! (Shak- 
ing hands warmly.) 

Curtain. 



A fortnight passes hetzveen Acts III and IV, 
144 



s 

o 



^<n«iniiui|iw> 



1^ 



O 




\^_3 I 9seo:!iooa [ 



^2 



eess^oo^ I 



MOpUI^ 



< 71 

O " 

^.2 



ACT IV. 

Scene : The same as Act III. An afternoon about 
a fortnight later. Discover Mrs. Wilmore look- 
ing eagerly oft at zvindoiv. She goes to bell ^ 
and rings it, then returns to window, and again 
looks off.) 

{Enter Goodyer.^) 
Mrs. W. 

Goodyer, wasn't that Mr. Lennard who went into 
the lodge just now? 

Good. 
Yes, ma'am. 

Mrs. W. 

With the young lady who 



Yes, ma'am. 



Good. 



Mrs. W. 



Please go across to the lodge and tell him I cannot 
see him— or the young lady. 

Good. 

Yes, ma'am. {Looking off.) Here is Mr. Len- 
nard, ma'am. 

(Lennard enters at back. Exit Goodyer.) 

Len.^ 
Mother ! 

Mrs. W.^ 

No, Lennard! No! I can never feel you're really 

my son again till you've given up this girl 

145 



* At back. 



* At back. 



* Advamces to 
her. 



* Above R. c. 
chair. 



ACT IV 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Len. 
That will be "never." But you don't mean it! 

Mrs. W. 

I do. To be talked about all over the county, and 
"cut" by our old friends! To be turned out of 
our old home, and thrown back into poverty ! 
That's enough for me to bear, without taking to 
my heart the cause of it all. 



* Crosses L. c. 



' Crosses to 
fireplace. 



Len. 



I am the cause of it all. 



Mrs. W. 

No, she is the cause of it all ! 

Len. 

No, L I alone. It was my folly and cowardice. 
Now I'm trying to repair the mischief I've done. 

Mrs. W. 

By this impossible marriage ! 

Len. 

I love her! I've never really loved anybody else. 
It all came back when she stood there so bravely. 
Mother, you wouldn't have me behave like a cad 
and a villain to her a second time? 

Mrs. W. 

It's useless to talk. I can never receive Miss Neve 
into our family. You must choose between her and 
me 



Len. 



Then I choose her. 



So be it.i 
for this.2 



Mrs. W. 
I've to thank your friend Mr. Linnell 

146 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT IV 



Len.i 

Yes, Linnell is our friend. He has seen Sir John 
Plugenet, and brought him round 

Mrs. W. 

I don't wish him brought round. He has behaved 
infamously in spreading this scandal through the 
county. We are utterly disgraced and ruined! 

(Enter Viveash and Wilmore.^ Wilmore is 
pompously self-pitying. Lennard bozvs to him, 
hut he barely nods to Lennard in return.) 

Vive. 

Well, how are you? {Shaking hands with Mrs. 
Wilmore. ) 

AlRS. W. 
As you see.^ 

Vive.4 

Glad to see you back home, Lennard. 

WlL.^ 

Lennard is not at home ; except in the sense of being 
present here for the moment. He is still enjoying 
the hospitality of his bosom friend Linnell. 

Vive. 

Surely, Wilmore, you won't turn your only son 
out of doors? 

WiL. 

I shall certainly not welcome him here until he has 
given up his idea of marrying this — a — young per- 
son. 

Len. 

I'm sorry, father. Mr. Linnell is to marry Miss 
Neve and me to-morrow morning in London. 



What? 



WiL. 



147 



• Coming dovm 
c. Mrs. 
Wilmore 
crossing to 
above table. 



2 At back Wil- 
more closes 
door after 
him. Len- 
nard moves 
to above R. c 
table. 



' Sitting at L. 
c. table. 

* Crosses be- 
hind table 
and doimi L. 



" Standing at 
door. 



ACT IV 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Mrs. W. 
{Heartbroken.) Lennard! Lennard! 

WiL. 

And pray what happens after that? 
Len. 

Sir John Plugenet has been kind enough to get me 
a railway appointment in India. 



* Crosses to her. 
Wilmore 
crosses to 
above r. c. 
table. 



Indeed ! 



WiL. 



Len. 



Through Linnell's influence. Rachel and I leave 
for India next week. And I'm going to pull my- 
self together, and make a thundering hard try to 
be a better sort of chap for the future.^ Mother, 
you'll help us? 

Mrs. W. 
No, Lennard, no! 

Len. 

I've brought her over from Gilminster. If you 
won't come to our wedding at least you'll see her, 
and wish us happiness? 

Mrs. W. 
I can't ! I can't! 

WiL. 

Where is this young person? 

Len. 
Across at the lodge. 

WiL. 

In my lodge! On my premises! 
Len. 

Yes, father. I think my future wife is quite good 

148 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT IV 



enoug-h company for your gardener! Mother, 
you'll see her? 

Mrs. W. 

No — no 

Vive. 



I think you'd better.^ 

{Enter Goodyer at back, announcing^ Mr, Dau- 
BENY. Exit Goodyer.) 

Daub. 

Ah, my dear friends! How are you, Mrs. Wil- 
more? (Shaking hands with her.) Enjoying this 
marvellous autumn weather, I trust? 



Mrs. W. 



Yes. 



Daub. 

That's right ! You're looking more charming than 
ever! (Nodding to Viveash.) Ah, Viveash! 
Lennard ! 

Vive. 
How are you? 

Len. 

How d'ye do? 

(Viveash Jias whispered to Lennard. Lennard 
goes off, left.) 

Daub.^ 

Wilmore, my dear old friend, I do trust you aren't 
allowing this tiresome little affair of Lennard's to 
depress your spirits? 

WiL. 

No. I am bearing up wonderfully well on the 
whole.'* 

Daub. 

That's right. 

149 



' Lennard 
crosses be- 
hind table to 
Vhieash. 

2 Wilmore 
makes ges- 
ture of an- 
noyance and 
crosses down 

R. 



8 Crossing to- 
wards Wil- 



* Sits R. of R. 
table. Vive' 
ash sits L. be- 
low fireplace. 



ACT IV 



THE HYPOCRITES 



WiL. 

I can safely say that throughout this undeserved 
affliction I have borne myself like a Christian, and 
a gentleman 



* Crossing to- 
wards Mrs. 
Wilmoi-e. 



Daub. 

I'm sure you have ! And that must be a great con- 
solation to you ! 

WiL. 

We all have to suffer for the wrongdoings of 
others 



Daub. 

We do! We do! Very true! Ah, yes! Ah, yes! ^ 
Well, we shall be safely ensconced in the Deanery 
to-night. I ran over to say " Good-bye." My dear 
wife would have come, but she has one of her hack- 
ing coughs. However, she sent her love — and — 
sympathy. By the way, Mrs. Wilmore, you didn't 
answer her note? 

Mrs. W. 

About your dinner party? 

Daub. 

Yes. As Sir John Plugenet is to be there we 
thought it only kind to you to give you a chance of 
— avoiding him. 

Mrs. W. 

Have you given Sir John Plugenet the same chance 
of avoiding us? 

Daub. 
I don't cjuite follow. 

Mrs. W. 

Mrs. Daubeny suggests we should decline to come 
to your dinner party. 

150 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT IV 



* Wilmore rises 
with impa- 
tience. 



Daub. 

No, indeed ! Don't put it like that ! Such old 
friends! But being our first dinner party, we're 
anxious to avoid — any little discord/ 

Mrs. W. 

I see ! Please tell Mrs. Daubeny we withdraw our 
acceptance of your kind invitation. 

Daub. 

We must have a little cosy family dinner — just our 
four selves. Now name your own day. 

Mrs. W. 
Thank you.^ I cannot fix one at present. 

Daub. 

Well, don't be long about it, there's a dear, amiable 
lady ! Viveash, my dear friend, when you're over 
at Gilminster, you'll drop in and lunch with us? 

Vive. 



Delighted. 



Daub. 



Do, now. (Going off, suddenly bethinking him- 
self.) Wilmore,^ I hear you're leaving Weybury, 
which I do hope is not true. But if you are, and if 
you should be disposing of your cellar, you might 
put an old friend in the way of buying what re- 
mains of that port — you know that delicious, soft, 
silky, sixty-eight?"* Now there's a hint for you, 
my dear friend ! Do take it ! Good-bye ! 

WiL. 

Good-bye. 

Daub. 

(To Mrs. Wilmore.) Don't worry about this 
affair of Lennard's. It will soon blow over — soon 
blow over. Good-bye, Viveash, my dear friend. 

151 



' i?2.ses. Vive- 
ash also. 



' Crossing over 
to him. 



* Mrs. Wil- 
more has 
gone above 
table to fire- 
place and 
rang bell, 
and returned 
to above l. c. 
chair. 



ACT IV 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Vive. 
Good-bye. 

(GooDYER appears at door}) 
Daub. 

Good-bye, dear friends. Good-bye, (Exit^ fol- 
lowed by GoODYER.) 

Mrs. W. 
You see ! We are to be cut by everybody ! ^ 

WiL. 

Yes, I met the new Wesleyan minister yesterday, 
and instead of bowing respectfully to me, as he 
ought, he stared up at the front of his new chapel. 
I'm sure he was chuckling up his sleeve! 

Vive. 

Let's hope he was meditating a lapse into Gothic 
for his next meeting house. 



^ At back 
standing out- 
side. 



*At back 
Wilmore 
crosses up R. 
c. Viveash 
moves rottnd 
L. and back 
to c. 

• Crosses dov)n 
below L. table 
and to fire- 
place. 



Coming down 



* Coming to be 
low table. 



WiL. 

You can chaff, Viveash ! you're not losing the 
honourable record of a lifetime, laboriously spent 
in advancing the highest morality and soundest 
Churchmanship amongst your neighbours 

VlVE.4 

No, but I'm losing the few shekels I'd laboriously 
scraped together in fostering litigation amongst 
such of my neighbours as were fools enough to go 
to law. What's the use of harking back ? We're in 
a very awkward position, and only one man can 
pull us out — Linnell. 

Mrs. W. 
Linnell ! ^ 

Vive. 

Linnell. Of course this business has put Linnell in 
high favour with Sir John. Now, I'm persuading 

152 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT IV 



Linnell that Sir John was very unchristianlike in 
making a fuss and blackguarding you all over the 
county. Linnell is persuading Sir John that he was 
very unchristianlike, and Sir John is beginning to 
feel that he was very unchristianlike; so I fancy 
he'll help us out of our hole with the mortgages; 
especially as your property would be a very good 
investment for him, and round off the Plugenet 
estate.^ But we must get Linnell to pull the strings 
with Sir John for us. 



Mrs. W. 

I will owe nothing to Mr. Linnell, except my own, 
and my son's disgrace and ruin. 

(Enter Goodyer at back.) 

Good. 

Miss Plugenet and Mr. Linnell are in the drawing- 
room, ma'am.^ They wish to see you alone for a 
few minutes. 



Mrs. W. 



I will see Miss Plugenet. 
Linnell. 

Vive. 



I cannot receive Mr. 



Oh, I think you will. (To Goodyer.) All right, 
Goodyer. We'll come into the drawing-room. 
(Exit Goodyer.^) 

Vive. 

(To Mrs. Wilmore.) Come, old friend!"* 
You've lost a great deal, but don't lose your nerves, 
don't lose your temper, don't lose your hold of the 
situation. I shall send Linnell to you. (Exit.Y 

WiL.*' 

Charlotte, I think you might come and help us pull 

the strings 

153 



• Crossing to- 
wards Mrs, 
Wilmore. 



* Wilmore, be- 
hind h. c. 
table, slams 
book. 



' Leaving door 
open. 



* Taking hand. 



^ At back. 



* Crossing up 
R. c. 



ACT IV 



THE HYPOCRITES 



• Crossing up 
to Wilmore. 



* Moves aivay 

to L. C. 



Mrs. W. 

I've pulled all my strings ! They've all broken ! ^ 
Please tell Mr. Linnell I will not receive him — and 
leave me alone.- (Throwing herself in a chair in 
despair. ) 

WiL. 

{Looking at her.) Yes, it's a pretty state of affairs. 
However, I can honestly say I've acted throughout 
according to the dictates of my conscience 



• Crosses and 
sits R. c. 



• Goes tip to 
her, offering 
his hand, 
which she 
ignores and 
crosses to- 
wards L. C. 
chair. 

^ At back, 
closes door. 



Mrs. W. 

(Enraged.) Conscience! Conscience! Conscience! 
Oh, stamp on it ! Stamp on it ! What's the use of 
a conscience like yours, that always works 
wrong ^ 

WiL. 

Upon my word! Really, Charlotte! My own wife 
too! 

(Helen appeal's at the door at back, zvJiich has 
been left open.) 

Hel. 

(Coldly bozvs.) I beg pardon 

WiL. 

Please come in. Miss Plugenet 

(Helen enters.) 

PIel. 

(Entering.) May I have a few words with Mrs. 
Wilmore? 

WiL. 

Certainly.^ I — a — I — a 

(Helen takes no notice of him. He pompously 
pidls himself together and exit.)^ 
154 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT IV 



Hel.1 

(Pale, subdued.) I couldn't leave Weybury with- 
out saying " Good-bye " to you. 

Mrs. W. 

Thank you. It's kind of you. 

Hel. 

Your son is not at home to-day 

Mrs. W. 
Y'es, Lennard is at the lodge. 

Hel. 
Then I mustn't stay.^ Good-bye. 

Mrs. W.^ 

Good-bye, dear. Oh, Helen, I'm so sorry! (The 
two zvonien cry together.^) And your heart is 
broken too ! 

Hel. 
No, not quite. ]\Ir. Linnell has been so kind. 



Mr. Linnell ! ^ 



]Mrs. W. 



Hel. 



He has taught me to bear it, and to grow strong 
and better by it. I shall have a higher life, if not 
a happier life. A high life can't be a happy life, 
can it? I'm going to work with Mr. Linnell in 
London. 

Mrs. W. 
In London? 

Hel. 

I've managed to get him appointed to the vicarage 
of St. James's, Shadwell. It's a poor living, but it's 
just what he wished, and what I wish. We are 
leaving to-night. He wants to see you. He's wait- 



ing in the next room. 



* Comes c. 



2 Holds ont her 
(ir))is to- 
ivdrds Mrs. 
M'ilniore. 

^ Rises and em- 
braces her. 

* Taking 
Helen'' s face 
in her hands. 



* Backing a 

step. 



155 



ACT IV 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Mrs. W. 

I can't see him. The man who has brought me to 
the dust ! I can't ! ^ 



* Crosses h. c. 



* Helen tunis 
and again 
holds out her 
arms to Mrs. 
Wilmore. 

* Embracing 
her. 



* Helen hacks 
to above r. c. 
chair. Mrs. 
Wilmore 
moves to l. c. 
chair. 



' At L. of open 
door. 



* Who also em- 
braces her. 

"* At back. Len- 
nard closes 
door, and 
conies to R. of 
Rachel, and 
brings her 
down a step. 



• Lennard 
brings her 
down to c. 
He moves to 
R. c. 



Hel. 
Good-bye then.^ 

Mrs. W. 

Good-bye.^ Oh, Helen, it's all over! All my 
wishes ! All my life ! I'm dead ! No, worse than 
that! I'm living, with nothing to live for! (Wip- 
ing aivay her tears.) Good-bye! 

Hel. 
Good-bye ! 

{They are embracing when the door at hack opens, 
and Rachel enters, shozvn in and followed by 
Lennard. Rachel comes dozvn a fezv steps. 
Mrs. Wilmore and Helen then disengage 
themselves,^ and Rachel and Helen recognise 
each other.) 

Len. 
(Showing great shame.) I beg pardon. I didn't 
know (He is going off.) 

Hel. 

No, please stay. I'm going. (He stands deeply 
ashamed.^ Helen goes towards door, then stops, 
looks at Rachel a moment, goes to her.) I hope 
you will be very happy! (Kisses Rachel.*^ Exit.'') 

Len. 

Mother, we're leaving England in a few days. 
Haven't you a word to say to her? 

Mrs. W. 
(To Rachel.) Yes. Please come to me.^ I don't 
wish to speak unkindly, but, through you, Lennard's 

career has been destroyed for the time 

156 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT IV 



Rach. 

Oh, don't say that! 

Mrs. W. 

I must. My son was in a great position. He might 
have hoped for any honours — the highest — he had 
a splendid future. To-day he's a disgraced pauper 
— through you ! 

Len. 

Mother ! ^ Mother ! Rachel, come away with me. 

Mrs. Vv^. 

No, Lennard, please let her hear me! {To 
Rachel.) I'm not reproaching you. It's done. 
But now you're going to do him a further in- 
jury 

Rach. 
No! No! 

Mrs. W. 



Yes ! If you leave him, and go out of his life, this 
disgrace will pass away and be forgotten. In a few 
years he will redeem his mistake, and make a good 
marriage. Won't you give him a chance? Haven't 
you done him harm enough? 



Rach. 



Oh, what am I to do? 



Len. 



Come away with me! Mother, I'll never give her 
up now. 

Mrs. W. 

Then I hope she'll have the good sense and the good 
feeling to give you up. 



Rachel ! 



Len. 
157 



' Coming up to 
Rachel and 
taking her 
hand. 



ACT IV 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Mrs. W. 

Keep silence, Lennard, if you please, and let me save 
you from this last dishonour. What do you say? 

Rach. 

I love him so much ! I can't give him up now ! 
You won't ask me! I've promised Mr. Linnell ! 
(LiNNELL appears at door.) Ah, tell me!^ Must 
I give Lennard up? Is it for his good? Tell me I 
ought, and I'll try to do it,^ even now ! 

Mrs. W.^ 

Mr. Linnell, please keep away from us now ! I 
won't have you interfere in this. {To Rachel.) 
You've heard what I said! Don't listen to him. 



• Crossing up 
R. c. Len- 
nard follows 
on her e. 



* Turning to 
Lennard ivho 
takes her in 
his arms. 

• Crossing up 

L. C. 



* Coming down 
a little. 



* Crosses up to 
door. 



« Mrs. Wil- 
more slams 
door and 
crosses down 
L,. c. again. 



LlN.4 

She will listen to me. And you will listen to me. 

Mrs. W. 
I won't! Go, please! {Pointing.^) The door I 
The door! 

Lin. 

{To Lennard.) Miss Neve, Lennard, please leave 
me a few minutes with Mrs. Wilmore. {Motioning 
them to door, left.) 

Mrs. W. 
No! No! 

Lin. 

If you please, Lennard ! 

Len. 
Rachel {Taking her off, left.) 

Mrs. W.^ 
Is it always to be so? Will you always come in 
my way? 

Lin. 

Always! till you're in the right way. 

158 



1 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT IV 



I won't hear you! 



Ah, but you will! 



Mrs. W. 



Lin. 



Mrs. W. 



No ! No ! You've broken up my home, you've de- 
feated all my hopes, you've ruined my son, you're 
parting me from him now when I love and need him 
most, you're sending him away to India to die, per- 
haps, out there — I may never see him again. You've 
done all this! Well, you've done it! So be satis- 
fied with your work, and let me be ! ^ 

Lin. 

My work isn't finished 

Mrs. W. 
Not finished?! Pray, what more have you to do? 

Lin. 

To open your eyes! To make you see what you 
would have done ! ^ Think of it ! And you asked 
me, God's minister, to wink at your foul trick and 
help you — help you prepare a long life of treachery 
and distrust for your son and his bride ! Look at it ! 
Where is your conscience? Where is your eye- 
sight? Ah, but you wouldn't have done it! Very 
shame would have stopped you 

Mrs. W. 
You have stopped me ! So be content. 

Lin. 
No, riot till you own your son is doing right. 

Mrs. W. 
To marry that girl ? ^ 

159 



• Crosses down 
to below 
table. 



* Crosses down 
to her. 



* Turning up 
to him. 



ACT IV 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Lin. 
Yes! They love each other. Their future will be 
all the more secure from their bitter remembrance 
of the past. They'll work out their repentance in 
a great love. He'll build his house on the true love 
of man and wife. It will stand. His hopes, his 
honour, his safety, his duty, his happiness, — all lie 
with her. Can't you see that? 

Mrs. W. 
I can see nothing, except that I am to lose Lennard. 
You've robbed me of him! You've robbed me of 
him!i 

Lin. 
No! No! Or if I have, it's only to give him back 
to you ! I took him from yo.u a coward, a de- 
ceiver, a seducer, ready to act a base He and live 
an idle, selfish life upon the money of a woman 
he didn't really love — I give him back to you an 
honourable, upright man, ready to work and to face 
life bravely with the woman he does love. Ah! 
Take him from me — take the new Lennard to your 
heart, and thank God for giving you a son you can 
be proud of! 

Mrs. W. 
I can't! I can't! I can't bear to think ^ — I can't 
owe anything to you ! 



' Falls in chair 
R. o/l. table, 
burying her 
face in her 
hands. 



* Crosses to r. 
He follows. 



» Sits R. c. 



Lin. 

Don't think of me as your creditor. Think of me 
as your servant ! God's servant, and therefore your 
servant, sent to hold a light to your path, and 
smooth it where it's rough and thorny ! Won't 
you let me do that? Won't you understand that 
I'm your friend, and your servant? Won't you? 

Mrs. W. 
(After a pause.) I'll try ,^ but Lennard — Lennard 
is going from me. 

1 60 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT IV 



Lin. 

No! Go with him! Remember he loves her! 
Remember all she has suffered for his sake ! Won't 
you try and love her too? Think how easily you 
can make them happy! Think how easily you can 
make her love you ! They need your help and 
sympathy. Come to their marriage to-morrow, and 
go out to India with them. If you refuse, he will 
still make her his wife. You can't hinder that. 
Then you will remember all your life that you 
parted from him in anger. If, as you said, he 
should die out there ^ 

Mrs. W. 
Bring them in! Bring them in! 

(LiNNELL goes off dooK, left, brings on Rachel, 
and Lennard follows.) 

Mrs. W. 

{To Rachel.) Come to me, my dear. {The two 
women embrace in tears. ) 



Mother ! 



Len. 



Lin. 



Now my work in Weybury is finished! To-mor- 
row all your lives begin anew ! 

Curtain. 



' Mrs. Wilmcre 
rising and 
taking his 
hands and 
pushing him 
towards h. 



* Rachel on 
Mrs. WiU 
move's R. 
Lennard 
comes to her 
L. Mrs. WiU 
more em- 
bracing 
them. Lin- 
nell standing 
up L. 



Act plays 18 
minutes. 



l6i 



PROPERTY PLOT. 

ACT J. 

Aubusson carpet, green velvet pile surround, down. 
Cottage piano down l. 

On piajio. 
(Bowl of flowers, 2 photographs in frames, 2 books.) 
I Chair (white enamelled wood and unbleached chintz) 

in front of piano. 
I Chair above piano. 

Curtains and loops (chintz) on window opening. 
Pole and rings. 
Small buhl table up l. at back. 

On table. 
(Small bowl of roses, 2 photographs in frames, i book, and) 

work-bag with work in it for " Mrs. Wilmore." 
Chesterfield sofa, chintz covered, L. b. c. 
3 Magazines on same. 
Small table b. c. left of door. 

On table. 
(Bowl of roses, 2 photographs in frames, i book.) 
Small arm-chair R. of door B. c. 
Small table R. b. c. 

On table. 
(Bowl of roses, 2 photographs in frames, 2 books.) 
Small high-backed arm-chair in corner up R. 
Large easy-chair above fire, and facing it. 
Small arm-chair down R., below fireplace. 
Large inlaid satinwood and mahogany table R. c. 

On table. 
(Writing materials, bell, blotting pad, 3 magazines, 2 

books, inkstand, etc, stationery box.) 
Waste-paper basket under table to r. 
I Small chair above table. 
I Small chair l. of table. 

162 



THE HYPOCRITES 



071 wall L. 
Below window opening. 
2 plates I gj^g ^j^jj^^_ Q^ ^^jj^^ gj^gjj^ 
2 vases. J 

2 Water-colors in gilt frames. One on each side of electric 
brackets. 

Over window opening. 

2 Vases, I large plate. 

On wall. Back. 

3 Plates, 2 vases— on china shelf. 

2 Water-colors in gilt frames. One on each side \ l. of 
of electric bracket. j door c. 

Over door c. 

1 Large plate. 

R. of door c. 

2 Plates, 2 vases — on china shelf. 

2 Water-colors in gilt frames. One on each side of electric 
bracket. 
On 7uall R. 

2 Plates — above door r. on china shelf. 

Over door R. 

3 Small vases. 

I Water-color in gilt frame. 
I Vase above fireplace on china shelf. 
On mantelpiece. 

1 Buhl clock. 

2 Vases. 

I Plate, below fireplace on china shelf. 

Hand Props. 
Lady's hand-bag initialled " R. N.") | ^^^ ,,^^^^ ^^^^^,. 

with note mside. Umbrella. j 
Double-barrelled gun. For " Mr. Wilmore." 
Salver and receipt. For " Goodyer." 

ACT II. 

Cheap brussels carpet, with red felt surround, down. 
I Chair (old mahogany and horse-hair) down l. 
Curtains (old red plush) and pole over recess window L. 
I Small oak table in recess. 

163 



THE HYPOCRITES 



On table. 
3 Small flowering plants in pots. 
Small toy-horse under table. 
White blinds to recess windows. 
Round table l. c. with old-fashioned table-cloth. 

On table, (discovered at rise of curtain.) 

Lady's hand-bag with note. ) tt j ti • a i. t 

^ ^ K Hand Props, in Act I. 

Umbrella. ) 

Rug and strap. 

I Small chair R. of table. 

I Small easy chair L. af table and above it. 

Old-fashioned couch at back l. 

I Small chair between doors at back. 

1 Oak bookcase with desk. 

2 Silver cups on top of bookcase. 

On desk of bookcase. 
I Stuffed toy dog. 
I ditto monkey. 

3 Picture books. 
Papers, etc., in drawers. 

Toy go-cart in front of bookcase. 

1 Square oak table up R. 

On table. 
3 Books. 

2 Magazines. 
Work-basket. 

" The Church Times." 

Ujider table. 
Box of toy blocks scattered. 

3 Loose picture books. 

Steel fender and fire-irons to fireplace R. 

On Mantelpiece. 
Clock, 2 brass candlesticks, 2 cone shells. 
2 China ornaments. Small looking-glass with visiting cards 

around. 
I Small chair and i hassock below fireplace R. 
Special arm-chair R. c. 
Rag doll under chair. 
On wall down l. 

164 



THE HYPOCRITES 



( Oil painting in oak frame. ) 

( Small sample in maple frame under painting. J 

Oil painting above window l. 

Print over door R. at back. 
Betiveen doors at back. 

2 Small silhouettes. 

1 Small picture. 

Racing scull above doors, on back flats. 

Print over door L. at back. 

Small picture in gilt frame L. of door L. at back. 

Pair small red plush curtains over small window l. at back. 

2 China dogs on sill of same. 

Turkey rug down in passage at back door L. 

Li inner room. 
Round table. 

On table. 
Blotting-pad, inkstand. 

3 Magazines, 2 books. 
Church notices. 

On ivallvi. 
Above looking-glass. 
I Print. 

Print on black frame. | ^^ ^^^j ^ ^ 
Oil pamting under it. J 
Small water-color down r. 

f door slam and knocker 
I 1-eady off \.. at back. 

Hand props. 
Net-bag for '•' Mrs. Blaney." 
Crutch walking-stick, for " Miss Neve." 
Letter in bag (discovered), and letter placed in arm-chair 

above. 
Table l. c. — Also letter ready for " Patty." No envelopes. 

ACTS nia?id IV. 

For alteration of position for Act IV see 160 page. 

Stage cloth — dark stained parquet — down. 
Persian rug — going from p. side to c. 
I Tiger skin in front of fireplace. 

165 



THE HYPOCRITES 



I Rug in passage at back, outside door c. 
I ditto in front of window up p.. 

Dark oak arm-chair in green leather down L. below fire- 
place. 
Stove hearth. 

On 7nantelpiece. 
( I Chippendale clock. ) 
I 2 China ornaments. ) 

I small chair above fireplace. 
Round table l. c. 

On table. 
Blotting pad, inkstand, note-paper. 
Pens and pencils. 

Low chair with high back r. of table. 
Leather hassock under table. 
I Small chair in l. corner. 
Walls (back and R.) lined with bookcases, books in shelves. 

1 Bust on top shelf of bookcase l. of door c, also i china 
vase. 

2 large china vases ditto R. of ditto. 

I Bust on ditto up r. above window. 

I Bust on top shelf ditto down R. 

Large settee in green leather in front of bookcase l at back. 

I arm-chair below and R. of door c. 

I Small table up R. at back, r. of arm-chair. 

On table. 
I Globe and stand. 
I Small arm-chair in r. corner. 

Curtain pole with green plush curtains over window up r. 
I Arm chair in recess of window. 
I Small arm-chair down R. 
Round table r. c. 

On table. 
4 Books. 

Small chair l. of table. 
I Large oil painting in gilt frame down L. 
I Large oil painting in gilt frame over bookcase l., at back. 
I ditto ditto R., ditto. 

1 ditto ditto down R. 

i66 



THE HYPOCRITES 



Alieratio7i of position of furniture for Act IV. 

Arm-chair down l. is placed r. of table R. c. 
Arm-chair down r. is placed down l. 
Chair up l. in comer is removed altogether. 
Chair r. of table l. c. is placed above table. 
Small table up r. at back (with globe) is placed close to 
bookcase at back r. and near r. corner. 



167 



LIGHTING PLOT. 

ACT I 

Fixtures. 

' One 2-light bracket on wall l. 
To Two 5 -light brackets on Back Flats, 
light , { One c. between door and window. ) 
at ' I One c. between door and r. door, j 
cue. Two 2-light brackets on wall R. 
(one each side of fireplace.) 
All Louis XV. gilt, with light green silk shades. 

Ti 11 u r R- of door at back. 
I Bell push j 

Fire alight in w. I. brazier. 
Floats. I circuit amber, i circuit white ) Full up 
\st Border, i circuit white. j To open. 

I Pale amber arc on backing l. ) rp 

I ditto focussed into room by sofa, j ^ 

I Strip of 3 amber globes outside door at back. 
I do, do. do. door r. 
At Cue. 

" Tea is served in the drawing-room, tnd'am.'" 
Floats and ist border checked very slowfy to one-half : 
arcs change very slowfy to dark amber, rose-pink 
following. (Sunset effect.) 
At Cue. 

IVheti " Goody er^^ turns switch at back. 
Brackets alight. 
Arcs slowly out. 
At Cue. 

After '■^ LinnelV and " Vive ash " Fxeunt at back. 
Blue very slowly into arcs l. 

(Moonlight effect.) 



1 63 



THE HYPOCRITES 



ACT II. 
Fixtures. 

Table lamp alight on table in window l. 

Ditto ditto above fireplace. 
Hanging lamp alight outside little window in hall, 
f All cheap brass, with opaque shades — supposed ) 
I to be oil lamps. j 

Imitation coal fire alight in grate, with hole to receive 
letter. Man ready at back with taper to burn same. 
I Strip of 3 amber lights in hall. 

1 ditto ditto in room at back. 

Floats. I circuit amber, i circuit white. Full up. No 
border. 

ACTS III and IV. 
Fixtures. 

Two 2-Hght brackets, one above, one below fireplace. 
Two ditto. one each side of door at back. 

Oxidized silver with dark green silk shades ) 
Not to light. j 

2 Bell pushes (To ring), one r. of door at back, one 
above fireplace. Log fire alight. 

Floats. I circuit amber, i circuit white. ) ^ ,, 
\st Border. ditto. ditto. j ^* 

I Amber (pale) arc on backing r. 

I ditto through window, focussed up stage. 

1 Red arc through fireplace, focussed up stage. 

2 Lengths of lo amber globes outside door at back. 
I ditto of 3 amber globes outside door up l. 



{ 



169 



00«l 61 ^^W 



i 



MAY 19 1S08 



'V^. 



LEJL '08 



THE PLAYS OF 
HEM^Y ARTHUR JONES 



THE HYPOCRITES 

a pla^ In four Bete 

BY 

HENRY ARTHUR JONES 

AUTHOR OF 

"THE LIARS," "MICHAEL AND HIS LOST ANGEL," "THE TEMPTER," 

"THE CRUSADERS," "JUDAH," "THE CASE OF REBELLIOUS 

SUSAN," "THE DANCING GIRL," "THE MIDDLEMAN," 

"THE ROGUE'S COMEDY," "THE TRIUMPH OF THE 

PHILISTINES," "THE MASQUERADERS," "THE 

MANCEUVRES OF JANE," "CARNAC SAHIB," 

"THE GOAL," "MRS. DANE'S DEFENCE," 

"THE LACKEY'S CARNIVAL," "THE 

PRINCESS'S NOSE," ETC. 

" Expediency is man's wisdom: doing right is God's." 
THE PILGRIM'S SCRIP. 



Copyright, 1908, by Henry Arthur Jones 



PRICE 50 CENTS 



^ 



NEW YORK 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

publisher 
24 West 220 Street 



LONDON 
SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton St., 
Strand 



^ 



f 



